We explore the evolving landscape of HIV care, highlighting the decline in clinical vigilance due to shifting funding priorities and emphasizing the growing need for patient empowerment to bridge gaps in care and improve health outcomes.
By Dr Catherine Kidiga Adhu and Millicent Achieng
The Changing Landscape of HIV Care
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, particularly in HIV care and treatment, we’ve seen remarkable advancements over the past decade. Yet, as funding priorities shift and healthcare resources become scarcer, the quality of patient care at the clinic level suffers. My colleagues, who have dedicated over a decade to HIV care and treatment programs, have shared their growing frustrations with the current state of clinical care. Their experiences highlight a critical need for both patients and healthcare providers to adapt to these changes.
Years ago, patients receiving HIV care enjoyed a comprehensive approach to treatment. High-quality care was the norm, with routine clinical reviews by nurses, clinicians, and sometimes even doctors for every visit. Regular blood work was conducted to monitor immune responses, and thorough checks on weight, blood pressure, and opportunistic infections were part of standard practice. This robust system ensured that patients received timely and effective care.
Unfortunately, reduced funding and fewer healthcare workers have led to a decline in the vigilance with which basic care is administered. Today, many patients are no longer routinely screened for critical conditions such as Tuberculosis or mental health, non-communicable diseases that continue to threaten people living with HIV due to increased life expectancy achieved from optimized highly active antiretroviral therapy. The depth of clinical reviews has diminished, leaving gaps in care that were once standard.
Adapting to the New Reality: The Importance of Patient Empowerment
within government facilities where resources are often limited, the need for patients to become proactive partners in their care has never been more critical. Patient empowerment, which is rapidly emerging as a new paradigm in healthcare, involves patients gaining greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health. By knowing what to expect during each clinical visit, patients can effectively advocate for themselves, ensuring they receive the necessary care.
Empowering patients to take responsibility for managing their conditions not only enhances medical outcomes but can also help reduce healthcare costs. It’s essential to recognize that patient empowerment complements, rather than diminishes, the role of healthcare professionals. This empowerment is facilitated by healthcare providers through continuous medical feedback, guiding patients toward self-responsibility and a more collaborative approach to their care.
What Patients Need to Know
Patients should familiarize themselves with the essential services they are entitled to receive, such as routine checks, tests, and screenings necessary for their condition. By being informed, patients can ask pertinent questions, request specific tests or checks that might be overlooked, and recognize when the standard of care is not being met. This proactive engagement enables patients to better advocate for themselves, ensuring they receive the quality of care they deserve. Additionally, building collaborative relationships with healthcare providers is crucial. Open communication about needs and expectations benefits both parties, bridging gaps in care and improving overall patient outcomes.
Challenges in Patient Empowerment
One of the biggest challenges in empowering patients is that many may not want to take responsibility for their own self-care, choosing instead to rely heavily on the healthcare system. Additionally, healthcare providers are traditionally taught to make clinical decisions based on immediate issues, which can hinder a more preventive approach. For patient empowerment and engagement to be successful, there needs to be a shift toward a mindset that focuses on preventing problems before they arise.
Take Action Now
As a patient, you have the power to influence your healthcare outcomes. Start by learning about the care package you’re entitled to, ask questions during your clinical visits, and don’t hesitate to advocate for the care you deserve. Healthcare providers, too, should embrace this shift towards patient empowerment, fostering open communication and collaboration to ensure the best possible outcomes. This can be achieved through active listening, providing clear and accessible information, and involving patients in decision-making processes. Creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their concerns and preferences is key to fostering a collaborative relationship.
Mobile health applications can also play a significant role in enhancing patient empowerment by providing tools for self-management, education, and communication. These apps can offer reminders for medication, track health metrics, and facilitate direct communication with healthcare providers. By leveraging technology, patients can stay informed and engaged in their care, improving adherence and outcomes.
Together, we can navigate the challenges of modern healthcare and ensure high-quality care for all.