Patient-provider relationships: Opioid use disorder and HIV treatment in Vietnam

The provider-patient relationship has been implicated as a positive force in health outcomes. This study examined the provider-patient relationship in the setting of integrated, partially-integrated, and non-integrated opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV care models in Vietnam.

To examine the provider-patient relationship in the setting of integrated, partially integrated, and non-integrated OUD and HIV treatment in North Vietnam.

Between 2013 and 2018, we conducted face-to-face qualitative interviews with 44 patients living with HIV and OUD and 43 providers in northern Vietnam. These were analyzed using a semantic, inductive approach to qualitative thematic analysis.

Several themes were identified. 1) Trust was important to the patient-provider relationship and sensitive to provider attitudes and competence. 2) Patients perceived greater provider competence and understanding of patient health problems in integrated treatment. 3) Patient-provider relationships were initially superficial but deepened over time, facilitated by continuity of care.

Patient perceptions of competence and respect were important to feeling cared for. Providers felt empathy and competence came with more experience caring for patients with OUD and HIV.