 People living with
HIV/AIDS will be able to make better-informed choices about available
treatments due to a new resource package launched in Sydney last week.
The Treataware
project, which includes an information hotline, website and a printed
treatments guide, is designed to help positive people make scientifically
up-to-date choices about treatment options.
Bill Whittaker,
treatments spokesperson for the National Association of People Living With
HIV/AIDS (NAPWA), said the benefits of HIV treatments are unambiguous.
“There is growing evidence that starting treatment sooner rather than later
leads to better long-term health outcomes, yet a substantial number of
HIV-positive people are avoiding treatment because they may be unaware of the
latest research, are concerned about treatment side effects or they don’t know
where to go for up-to-date information,” he said.
Whittaker said recent
research from the UK had shown that large numbers of people with HIV delay
starting treatment for too long, despite being advised by their doctors of the
need to start antiretroviral therapy.
This delay increases
their risk of developing serious illnesses and lessens their likelihood of
getting the best response from HIV treatments.
“The Treataware
information phone line has trained educators standing by, five hours a day,
five days a week,” Whittaker said.
“We’ve also developed
Australia’s first searchable clinical trials website specifically for HIV, and
a comprehensive checklist guide to getting the best HIV care, which will be
distributed through doctor’s offices, clinics and HIV organisations.
“Together, these
three initiatives represent an important step in making health and treatment
information more accessible to HIV-positive people.”
Whittaker stressed
that the central aim of the Treataware project was to support a strong
partnership between HIV-positive people and their doctors in health decision
making.
“Learning the basics about HIV and treatment, knowing how to manage side
effects, and working with your doctor to maximise your health
and well-being – all of these are essential skills which keep people alive and
well for longer. These are the skills the Treataware project is intended to
foster.”
The Treataware
project will be launched by Dr Jonathan Anderson, president of the Australasian
Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM).
“Decisions like when
to start HIV treatment can be challenging, so this along with other health
planning is best done collaboratively between doctors and patients,” Anderson
said.
“We know this approach works, as there is a wealth of research showing health
outcomes are better when a partnership approach to health care planning is
taken.
“But to make that
partnership work, people need good information on the basics of HIV, about
treatments, managing side effects and tips for taking medicines correctly, so
patients feel involved and supported.
“The Treataware phone
line, clinical trials website and treatment guide will be very
welcome additions to
the resources available for HIV-positive people in Australia. They will also be
helpful resources for doctors involved in HIV to encourage their patients to
use.”
The Treataware
information line is 1800 817 713, available Mon-Fri 2-7 PM (AEST). The clinical
trials website is at www.treataware.info
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