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Holistic HIV Care
How I Came to Trust My HCPs: The Importance of Holistic HIV Care

Released: September 13, 2024

Expiration: September 12, 2025

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Key Takeaways
  • Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should adopt a holistic approach when caring for people living with HIV, including their physical, mental, and emotional health.
  • To build trust and confidence, HCPs should maximize educational opportunities, provide clear communication, consistency in care, and proactive support and engagement.

My experience living with HIV has been unique. When I received HIV care in Russia, I was on a 3-drug regimen and each pill had its own dosing schedule. My HIV treatment was hard to keep track of, especially with my busy schedule, and was a constant reminder that I had HIV. I was never asked by my HIV specialist how my regimen was working for me—until I moved to the United States.

Since my move, I have been fortunate to have found an HIV specialist who is also my primary care doctor. She takes a holistic approach to my care, so I know that all aspects of my health are being considered. She suggested a change to my regimen and, ever since I switched, I have never been happier. This is just 1 example of how my HIV specialist considers my wants and needs to improve my overall health. 

I think it is crucial for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to adopt a holistic approach when caring for people with HIV—to consider the whole person and all the factors that influence their health and well-being. 

Here’s what I believe HCPs should keep in mind.

Provide Holistic Care
To me, holistic care means considering every aspect of a person’s life and health. It’s about a comprehensive, integrated approach where all components are considered—physical, mental, and emotional health. It means discussing how HIV or its treatment might affect other areas, such as weight changes, fertility, or mental health.

My HCP and I also strive to be proactive instead of reactive. I believe in people and their curiosity and their responsibility, and I think people living with HIV, especially younger generations, are getting more proactive and more conscious about being healthy. This comprehensive care makes me feel fully supported and reassured.

Maximize Educational Opportunities
When you educate people, you empower them to take this responsibility to manage their HIV and to feel more confident in how to stay healthy, so I recommend that you take every opportunity to educate your patients.

For example, explain what terms like CD4 and BUN mean, why these labs are monitored, and what they indicate about their health. Take the time to explain, “These are the labs we’re monitoring, and here’s why… If you see an elevation in this lab, this means…”

Discuss the broader implications of HIV, such as how it can lead to complications like opportunistic infections (eg, tuberculosis), and what patients can do to prevent them. When people understand their health more fully, they’re better equipped to take an active role in their care.

Acknowledge the Psychological Impact of HIV
The psychological aspects of living with HIV are significant. Many patients, including myself, experience an inner conflict between the reality of having a physical illness and the desire to live a healthy life. For some people, the constant reminders of the virus can weigh heavily on the mind, leading to stress, anxiety, and even feelings of isolation. Helping people navigate these emotions is a key part of holistic care.

Within this holistic framework, clear communication is vital. When discussing treatment options, be transparent about potential side effects and what each option entails. Explain why certain treatments might be more suitable based on the patient’s unique circumstances and overall health. Regularly check in with your patients about their experiences and be open to making adjustments. This ensures that the treatment fits well into their lives, considering all aspects of their health and well-being.

Build Trust and Confidence
I came to trust my HIV specialist because of a few key things she did that made a big difference for me.

  • Clear Communication: My doctor was always open and honest about my treatment options. For example, when she introduced the idea of long-acting injections, she explained everything clearly, including the potential uncertainties. She reassured me that if anything didn’t go as planned, we could always go back to my previous treatment. This level of transparency really helped me trust her.
  • Consistency in Care: The consistency in my care was another big factor. My checkups and lab tests were aligned with my treatment schedule, which made me feel secure and well monitored. Knowing that there was a structured plan in place gave me confidence in the care I was receiving.
  • Proactive Support and Engagement: My doctor and healthcare team were always proactive in their support. They regularly checked in with me through messages, making sure I was comfortable with my treatment and addressing any concerns I had. This ongoing engagement made me feel valued and cared for.

Overall, it was this combination of a holistic approach, proactive support, and education that made me feel confident and trusting in my healthcare team.

Your Thoughts?
How do you make your patients with HIV feel confident and supported? Do you provide a holistic approach to care? Join the discussion by adding a comment.