Information and communication technologies for adherence to antiretroviral treatment in adults with HIV/AIDS.
BACKGROUND
Information and communication technologies support interventions directed at the prevention of HIV transmission and patient monitoring by promoting improved accessibility and quality of care.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of information and communication technologies in the adherence to antiretroviral treatment in adults with HIV/AIDS.


METHODS
Systematic review conducted from March to May of 2015 in three databases-the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); the Latin-American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS/BIREME) and SCOPUS; and the Cochrane library and the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online portal (MEDLINE/PubMed). The sample consisted of nine randomized clinical trials based on the use of information and communication technologies for adherence to antiretroviral treatment in adults with HIV/AIDS.


RESULTS
Three studies analysed the use of a short message service - SMS - two phone calls, two alarm devices, one web-enabled Hand-held device and one web electronic intervention. Improvements in the levels of adherence in the group subjected to the intervention were identified in seven studies. The phone was the type of information and communication technology with proven efficacy with respect to adherence. It was used to make calls, as well as to send alert messages and reminders about taking medications. Pagers were not considered to be effective regarding adherence to antiretroviral therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The integrated use of information and communication technologies with standard care promotes increased access to care, strengthening the relationship between patients and health services, with the possibility of mitigating the difficulties experienced by people with HIV in achieving optimal levels of adherence to drug therapy.
Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: doutorandaivana@gmail.com.
Ivana Cristina Vieira de
IC
Lima
Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Nursing Department, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: marligalvao@gmail.com.
Marli Teresinha Gimeniz
MT
Galvão
Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: oliveiraherta@gmail.com.
Herta de Oliveira
Hde O
Alexandre
Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Nursing Department, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: felisangela@yahoo.com.br.
Francisca Elisângela Teixeira
FE
Lima
Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Nursing Department, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Electronic address: thelmaaraujo2003@yahoo.com.br.
Thelma Leite de
TL
Araújo
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D040421:Cell Phone; D003142:Communication; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D055118:Medication Adherence; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017010:Reminder Systems; D060145:Text Messaging
Communication; Efficacy; HIV; Medication adherence; Technology