The patient-provider relationship and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Four studies completed since 1995 have highlighted the importance of the relationship between the provider and the patient in enhancing adherence behavior. This study extends this work by comparing adherent and nonadherent clients in one high-volume HIV clinic in which the majority of care is provided by nursing staff. The sample comprised 130 clients (108 adherent and 22 nonadherent). Adherence status was determined by clinic staff using established procedures. The indicator of the patient-provider relationship was satisfaction with the care provider as measured within the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Client groups differed significantly on perception of interpersonal manner of care provider (p =.018), care provider conduct total (p <.001), and quality total (p =.017). These findings are consistent with earlier work and underscore the potential importance of the patient-provider relationship as a focus of care for nurses.