Introduction

Adherence to complex HIV treatment regimens presents special challenges for homeless patients and their caregivers. Many homeless people lack regular access to food, water, and other resources needed to facilitate adherence. Mental illness and chemical dependence present special challenges to developing and adhering to a plan of care. Nevertheless, there are no absolute contraindications to antiretroviral therapy. While it is important to prescribe HIV therapy for homeless patients desiring treatment who have demonstrated regularity in their daily routines, it is just as important to ensure the most effective non-antiretroviral HIV care (i.e., prophylaxis and treatment of comorbidities) for all HIV-infected patients, including those with more chaotic lives, for whom antiretroviral treatment is not yet appropriate. Social support is an essential component of HIV care for all patients who are homeless, many of whom lack family or friends to help them cope with the added stress of serious illness.

Clinical practice guidelines for people with HIV/AIDS who are homeless are fundamentally the same as for those who are housed. Nevertheless, primary care providers who routinely serve homeless patients recognize an increased need to take their living situations and co-occurring disorders into consideration when working with their patients to develop a plan of care.

Credits  TOP

This condensed pocket guidebook was adapted by the HRSA/HAB Homelessness and Housing Workgroup using the original document authored by the NHCHC Advisory Committee on Adapting Clinical Guidelines for Homeless Patients with HIV/AIDS

ConananB, London K, Martinez L, Modersbach D, O’Connell J, O’Sullivan M, Raffanti S, Ridolfo A, Post P, Santillan Rabe M, Song J,Treherne L. Adapting Your Practice:Treatment and Recommendations for Homeless Patients with HIV/ AIDS, 62 pages. Nashville: Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc., 2003.

Disclaimer  TOP

The information and opinions expressed in this pocket guidebook are those of the Advisory Committee for the Adaptation of Clinical Guidelines for Homeless Patients with Asthma, not necessarily the views of the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration, or the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc.