Search:

Home

HAART

Talking with your patient

> Newly diagnosed

> In treatment

> Caregivers

GSK's commitment

Resources

Important Safety Information/
Indications > LEXIVA^® (fosamprenavir calcium)
> EPZICOM^® (abacavir sulfate and lamivudine)
> COMBIVIR^® (lamivudine/zidovudine)
> TRIZIVIR^® (abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine)
> ZIAGEN^® (abacavir sulfate)
> EPIVIR^® (lamivudine)
> RETROVIR^® (zidovudine)

Site map

Talking with your patient

Patients with HIV may find it difficult to talk openly with their healthcare providers. They may be anxious about their lab results or confused by unfamiliar terminology. They may be embarrassed about discussing personal issues. In addition, some patients don't think it is appropriate to question their healthcare providers. Caregivers may experience the same feelings.

As a healthcare provider, it is important to gain a patient's trust. Encourage patients to see the healthcare provider-patient interaction as a partnership. This will ensure the presence of open and honest communication necessary to achieve maximum adherence and treatment success.

After delivering lab results or explaining treatment options, ask patients if they have any questions. You may need to prompt them to ask certain questions, depending on whether a patient is newly diagnosed or has been HIV+ for a while. This section provides suggestions for initiating meaningful conversations with patients who are newly diagnosed, patients who have been HIV+ for some time, and caregivers.