Role of the HIV/AIDS case manager: analysis of a case management adherence training and coordination program in North Carolina.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence rates of 90%–95% or more are required to be effective at treating the virus and preventing drug resistance. From both a medical and public health perspective, it is essential that HIV-positive clients strictly adhere to antiretroviral treatment regimens. One promising approach to promoting optimal adherence rates among HIV-positive individuals is training and reimbursing case managers to provide adherence coordination services to HIV-positive clients. In this study, a sample of 16 HIV/ AIDS case managers from agencies across North Carolina participated in a Case Management Adherence Training and Coordination Program for a 3-month period. After case manager training, case managers enrolled 1–4 of their existing clients, who met eligibility criteria, to receive the adherence coordination program. Data were analyzed from focus group interviews and individual interviews conducted with case manager participants; their respective client care plans were also...