Adherence to chronic disease treatment using an HIV positive adolescent as a model: a case study

Abstract

Comprehensive care approaches the patient in an integrated way, on the three health care levels, through long-term care and counting with specialized support. In the case of chronic diseases, the establishment of a dialogue and individualized treatment plans are fundamental for a better adherence to treatment. The objective of the present study discussing the case of a HIV positive adolescent, who did not adhere to treatment, is to propose interventions that can serve as examples in the conduct of similar case. The primary care team selected a complex case, in which the mother and her adolescent son, both HIV infected, had not adhered adequately to treatment. Household visits were made in order to understand their familiar and social context and to initiate possible interven-tions, and contact was established between the different care levels. This resulted in a better articulation between the different services and helped identifying the needs of this family. A patient must be addressed not only considering the biological aspect but also his social and cultural environment to be able to offer individualized care and a better quality of life.