How to investigate Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment ... - INRUD

Chapter 5. Data Collection Tools and How to Fill Them
Filling in the forms
Retrospective Dispensing Data
The data for filling in this form will normally have to be taken from pharmacy records. The
clinical records may have the number of days prescribed, but will usually not include actual
dispensing. However, if there are no coherent pharmacy records the prescribed data may
suffice. It is necessary to find the date and the number of days of ARVs dispensed. If the
patient is on more than one ARV and they are given for a different number of days, take the
one with the least number of days dispensed.
Adapting the Forms
The forms may need adapting for the particular circumstances being surveyed. In particular,
the medicine lists will need to be compiled according to local standard treatment guidelines
The exit interview questions will need to be translated into the appropriate local languages.
This can be done during data collection training.
Filling in the Forms
Take the Retrospective Dispensing Data form. Each page has space for 25 patients, one
patient to each row. To fill in information on 100 patients, 4 forms will be needed. The
retrospective data collection form can be seen in Appendix 2a.
First, fill in the top of the form with the most important information—
• The date of data collection
• Facility name and number
• The data collector’s name
Each column of the form has a letter above it, and directions for each column will be given in
turn.
A B C D E
Seq. No. Patient identifier Age in years at index Gender Date initiation ARVs
visit
M/F
1
Column B
• For each patient always start by writing the patient identification number down. If it is
necessary to turn the sheet over make sure to again write the patient identification number
down on the relevant row. This helps avoid getting rows confused.
31