The importance of continuity of care for the best results in HIV infected patients

A patient who visits a lot of doctors rather than staying with the same doctor for healthcare services could be unknowingly putting themselves at risk.

The reasons for changing doctors may be that one does not like the doctor or staff, or one may not be able to get treatment for other conditions at the one clinic or that one is having problems related to their condition and is hoping for a different outcome.

In a study of 13 000 individuals on anti-retroviral treatment, 1 000 were identified as having visited multiple clinics. These multiple clinic patients were less likely to achieve viral suppression than their single doctor counterparts (68% vs 78%). Furthermore, it also showed that these individuals were less likely to start on anti-retrovirals when needed (69% vs 83%).

The consequences of doctor hopping can be significant as tests are repeated at multiple sites, prescribing errors due to incomplete medical history, exposure to unnecessary side effects and possibly premature development of HIV drug resistance.

Patients need to be comfortable enough to raise their fears and deal with their concerns with their treating doctor. Only once a patient is able to trust their healthcare providers will progress be made in controlling the disease.