Determination of the influence of home delivery of HIV therapy on virological outcomes and adherence

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the change in the mode of supply of HIV medicines to a homecare model was associated with any change in adherence and patient outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of 100 patients who received supplies from a clinic-based hospital HIV pharmacy and 100 patients who were started on home delivery over a three-month period and were followed up over six months. Data on patient demographics, type of HIV drug regimen, HIV viral load, CD4% and adherence status were analysed. The mode of delivery had no significant effect on CD4% ( p > 0.05), HIV viral load status ( p > 0.05) or adherence status ( p > 0.05). There was a significant increase in CD4% over time for both groups ( p < 0.01). This study suggests that expanding home delivery as a model of care in London HIV clinics is safe and does not affect adherence and patient outcomes as indicated by HIV viral load and CD4%.