title: Preventive measures to prevent loss to follow-up in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): implementing a strategy in Ziguinchor (Casamance, Senegal) in 2014.
abstract: Since 2010, the Pharmacie et Aide Humanitaire (PAH) in Casamance (Senegal) has been maintaining a software package (Tacojo) that allows monthly monitoring of the distribution of treatment to every patient with HIV infection receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We used this program to set up measures to prevent the loss to follow-up of patients receiving HAART. Our involvement focused on two main areas. First, each patient is routinely contacted after inclusion, to help us to understand the patient's experience of the disease and the treatment. This process aims to improve adherence to the treatment. Then, all patients who miss an appointment are routinely contacted by telephone within seven days of that appointment. The goal is to understand the reasons for the absence and to encourage patients to continue their treatment. Despite the lack of distance due to the relative newness of this program, these preventive measures have shown hopeful results (80% of the patients came back after a call). It would be interesting to apply it in a sustainable manner and in more medical facilities.
authors.affiliation: Association Pharmacie et aide humanitaire, UFR, Boulevard Becquerel, 14032 Caen, France.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Randé
authors.affiliation: Association Pharmacie et aide humanitaire, UFR, Boulevard Becquerel, 14032 Caen, France.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rouffy
mesh_terms: D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D059012:Lost to Follow-Up; D012675:Senegal; D016903:Drug Monitoring
keywords: HAART; Senegal; adherence; follow-up phone calls; therapeutic follow-up