Final Facilitator Guide - EngenderHealth

4SECTION 9Section 9SKILLS FOR PEER EDUCATORSSESSION 9.2 : FACILITATING COMMUNICATION BETWEENPLHA AND THEIR DOCTORTrainer’s resource ‘A’People living with HIV need to build a good relationship with theirdoctor. Therefore, it is crucial for people living with HIV to identify adoctor and to keep him/her informed about the status of their health.Regular health check-ups and regular follow-up are important to keepthe doctor informed about the health status. Doctors assess healthstatus by inquiring about health problems, performing a through physicalexamination, analyzing lab reports, reviewing medications, andconsidering other information collected during the visit before decidingon a treatment plan.The relationship with the doctor should be based on open and frankcommunication and not hiding any information necessary for the doctorto make a correct diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment. It helps ifPLHA and doctors trust each other and if the PLHA is honest with thedoctor and feels free to ask questions or seek clarification regardingtreatment, including ART drugs.Being PreparedBefore going for a visit to the doctor people should be prepared; thisincludes preparing a mental or written note of the list of the symptomsone has, questions about medication such as side effects or having achild while on ART. The person should remember to take along copiesof any prescriptions, the latest lab reports, and any medicines they aretaking. It is very important to bring the actual medicine packet orFacilitator’s Guide4Adherence to Treatment for HIV131