Promoting patient-centered care within HIV care settings in sub-Saharan Africa

Patient centered care (PCC) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) may improve outcomes for persons with HIV (PWH). We review the progress the region has made in promoting PCC and highlight some of the implementation challenges and potential areas of research.

Studies show growing interest in promoting PCC across HIV care programs in SSA. Effective implementation of PCC, however, is hampered by: (1) lack of consensus on the conceptualization of PCC, including definition, frameworks, measures, and implementation strategies; (2) limited regional studies on the adoption and sustainability of PCC interventions; and (3) healthcare structural challenges including limited capital and human resources, poor provider-patient dynamics, high provider turnover, and lack of continuity in care. Recent studies in the region have focused on identifying key PCC domains addressable in resource limited settings, understanding the PCC experiences and expectations of PWH and their providers, and testing innovative interventions. We highlight the need for additional studies to address the existing gaps.

We discuss the progress and challenges of implementing PCC in HIV care settings in SSA as well as the need for additional research to ensure that proposed PCC interventions have optimal impact.