How to investigate levels of Adherence to antiretroviral ... - INRUD
How to investigate levels of Adherence to antiretroviral ... - INRUD
How to investigate levels of Adherence to antiretroviral ... - INRUD
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6<br />
CHAPTER 6 --- Planning and field methods<br />
Preparations for survey<br />
Surveys are most useful when they are designed <strong>to</strong> meet specific objectives. Managers and<br />
policy-makers responsible for administering an HIV/AIDS programme, or health providers<br />
responsible for supervising the quality <strong>of</strong> medical care in public sec<strong>to</strong>r ART facilities would<br />
be interested in the results <strong>of</strong> an adherence indica<strong>to</strong>r survey.<br />
If the initiative for carrying out an adherence survey does not originate with such people,<br />
they should be involved in its design at an early stage.<br />
Adequate planning and preparation for the survey will increase the likelihood that data will<br />
be collected and recorded in a reliable way.<br />
Persons planning and carrying out an adherence indica<strong>to</strong>rs survey need a basic knowledge<br />
<strong>of</strong> pharmaceuticals, some understanding <strong>of</strong> the principles <strong>of</strong> sample surveys, and an<br />
appreciation <strong>of</strong> the logistical requirements for carrying out field studies. The indica<strong>to</strong>rs and<br />
methods recommended in this manual have been designed <strong>to</strong> minimize as far as possible the<br />
need for a high level <strong>of</strong> sophistication in these areas. Carrying out more in-depth follow-up<br />
activities, or designing and mounting an intervention, will in many cases require a higher<br />
level <strong>of</strong> technical expertise.<br />
Permissions and approval<br />
Often this work will be carried out by or for the National AIDS Control Programme. If this is<br />
the case, they may not need any outside permission. If such a survey is being carried out by<br />
any other group, they will need letter <strong>of</strong> permission from the National Aids Control<br />
Programme documenting their approval. In addition, the survey group may need approval<br />
from an ethical review board. This will depend on the country.<br />
Select and prepare sample sites<br />
Issues involved in the selection <strong>of</strong> an appropriate sample <strong>of</strong> facilities have been addressed in<br />
Chapter 4. Once facilities have been selected and staff trained, the field work can begin. One<br />
key <strong>to</strong> the success <strong>of</strong> a study is adequate preparation <strong>of</strong> sample sites.<br />
Preparation includes adequate notification <strong>to</strong> relevant authorities <strong>of</strong> the study’s purposes<br />
and methods. This increases the likelihood that the study results will be accepted and<br />
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