Improving HIV Prevention and Treatment Outcomes Among HIV-Infected Persons by Integrating Community Pharmacists and Clinical Sites into a Model of Patient-centered HIV Care

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In the last 20 years, care of persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has transitioned from treatment of an acute illness to comprehensive management of a chronic infection accompanied by a number of co-morbidities (Pallella FJ et al., 2006). Historically, HIV-infected patients were referred to infectious disease specialists, a model of care designed to meet patients’ acute illness needs. More effective therapy has led to significant reductions in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. However, providers increasingly face challenges providing HIV care stemming from long-term management of HIV infection, other co-morbidities, side effects associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), drug interactions, and increased risk of age-associated non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality (Deeks S, 2009; Harrison KM et al., 2010).

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