Doctor-patient concordance during HIV treatment switching decision-making

The aim of the study was to explore levels of doctor-patient concordance during the making of decisions regarding HIV treatment switching and stopping in relation to patient health-related outcomes.

Adult patients attending five HIV clinics in the United Kingdom were requested to complete the study questionnaire, which included a Concordance Scale, and measures of symptoms [Memorial Symptom Assessment Short Form (MSAS) index], quality of life (EuroQol), satisfaction, adherence and sexual risk behaviour. Clinical health measures (HIV viral load and CD4 cell count) were also obtained. A total of 779 patients completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 86%; of these 779 patients, 430 had switched or stopped their HIV treatment and were thus eligible for inclusion. Of these patients, 217 (50.5%) fully completed the Concordance Scale.

Concordance levels were high (88% scored between 30 and 40 on the scale; score range 10-40). Higher concordance was related to several patient outcomes, including: better quality of life (P=0.003), less severe and burdensome symptom experience (lower MSAS-physical score, P=0.001; lower MSAS-psychological score, P=0.008; lower MSAS-global distress index score, P=0.011; fewer symptoms reported, P=0.007), higher CD4 cell count (at baseline, P=0.019, and 6-12 months later, P=0.043) and greater adherence (P=0.029).

High levels of doctor-patient concordance in HIV treatment decision-making are associated with greater adherence and better physical and psychological functioning. More research is needed to establish a causal relationship between concordance and these outcomes.