Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Medication adherence is crucial in the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to induce viral suppression. Routine adherence can lead to improved health outcomes, improved quality of life, and minimize the risk of resistance. The VHA has recently developed an automated texting platform named “Annie”. The goal of “Annie” is to empower self-care, support patients in completing health tasks, and assist clinicians in maintaining a partnership outside of office visits. The objective of this study is to evaluate “Annie” for improved adherence and patient satisfaction among patients with HIV.
Methods: Implementation of the “Annie” automated texting platform will be a quality improvement project within the Veteran Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System. “Annie” will be targeted to patients with an HIV viral load > 20 copies/mL, but it will be available to all interested HIV patients regardless of baseline viral load. Verbal consent will be obtained and documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). Patients will be enrolled from October through December 2018. Data will be extracted using the EMR and the “Annie” records system prior to and during project implementation. The automated texting platform consists of predetermined text messages in the following categories: medication reminders, appointment/refill/lab reminders, side effect assessment scale, and general motivational/educational messages. Text messages in these categories will be sent to patients at a predetermined frequency customized by patient preference. The following data will be collected to evaluate adherence and patient satisfaction: case index questionnaire score, number of pills missed weekly, percentage of text message responses, refill history, and HIV viral load at baseline and three months after “Annie” implementation. Subgroup analysis will be performed to determine whether age, gender, and/or frequency of text messages predicts better outcomes with “Annie”.
Results: Not applicable
Conclusion: Not applicable
Corynne Bielecki
– Student Pharmacist, University of Rhode Island, Flemington, NJ155 Views