Table 3 Original adherence support worker responsibilities compared to the modified role for adherence support provided by traditional healers, Zambézia province, Mozambique
Original adherence support worker responsibilities | Modified traditional healer responsibilities |
|---|---|
1. Provide education and psychosocial support to PLHIV initiating/continuing antiretroviral therapy (ART). | 1. Provide education and psychosocial support to PLHIV initiating ART. |
a. Support PLHIV to adhere to clinical monitoring protocol (retention in care). b. Support PLHIV to adhere to medication. | a. Support PLHIV to adhere to clinical protocol (retention in care). b. Support PLHIV to adhere to medication. c. Provide couples-counseling to support safe partner disclosure. d. Provide education on nutrition needs to limit the impact of drug side-effects. e. Assure PLHIV that illness is not due to witchcraft. |
2. Provide referrals to specialized clinics, as needed. | 2a. Provide accompaniment and referrals to health facility as needed 2b. Perform advocacy role for patient health at health facility. 2c. Report poor treatment of PLHIV to facility director. |
3. Participate as members of ART clinic team. | 3. Participate as members of the ART clinic team. |