Implementation and uptake of the Conexiones y Opciones en la Argentina intervention: feasibility and acceptability

ABSTRACT

Challenging HIV-infected patients, those neither adherent nor actively engaged in care, represent an important opportunity for intervention if the HIV epidemic is to be contained. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted patient adherence intervention and a motivational interview-based provider intervention in urban Buenos Aires, Argentina, in order to optimize health benefits in challenging HIV-infected patients. To maximize implementation and uptake of both strategies, interventions were adapted to the local setting. Qualitative data and a short quantitative assessment from patients, staff, fellows, residents and physicians (n = 84) were examined to establish the feasibility and acceptability of offering patient and provider evidence-based interventions in both public and private health-care settings. Results identified key themes on provision of information, use of specialized communication techniques and group support in the utilization of the interventions. Both providers (n = 12) and patients (n = 120) endorsed the acceptability and value of the interventions, and the feasibility of their delivery. Findings support the use of both intervention modalities with challenging patients in diverse urban health-care settings.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• South America
• adherence
• motivational interviewing
• intervention

Acknowledgements

We thank all the members of the Conexiones y Opciones en la Argentina study team, as well as the medical providers and patients, without whom this study would not have been possible. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and are not official positions of the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, the Fundación Huésped, the Fundación Helios Salud or the National Institute of Mental Health.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health [R34MH097609]; University of Miami Center for AIDS Research [P30AI073961].