Effective Case Management Strategies for Clients with HIV/AIDS

Case 3
Student’s Name
Institution
Case 3
Question 1
Adherence to HIV antiretroviral treatment regimens is important in enhancing the quality of life of clients with HIV/AIDS. However, these clients also need to engage in other forms of care, such as healthy diets, to enhance their quality of life. According to Brennan-Ing et al. (2016), HIV clients who are highly engaged in care have a higher chance of being virally suppressed. They also have lower chances of HIV transmission and are more likely to report improved clinical outcomes. To facilitate this, case management is important.
Many studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of case management for clients with HIV/AIDS. For instance, Brennan-Ing et al. (2016) investigated the effects of a case management program that was aimed at increasing HIV care engagement and compliance with treatment. The study, conducted for over a year, revealed that the case management program increased the CD4 counts of participants. Also, these patients reported an increase in medication cost as a result of increased engagement with care as well as increased adherence to treatment regimens. A different study by Lopez et al. (2018) also supports these findings. The study investigated the effect of medical case management under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, which focuses on removing barriers to HIV care. The results also revealed that the case management program improved the health outcomes of clients with HIV/AIDS. Specifically, the results indicated that clients participating in the program experienced a fall in their HIV viral load. In addition, the program also improved the clients’ CD4 counts.
The literature reveals that case management is an effective approach to the management of HIV/AIDS because it enhances care coordination, improves adherence to treatment regimens, and enhances care utilization. As a result, HIV clients experience improved healthcare outcomes in terms of improved HIV viral loads and CD4 counts.
Question 2
Despite evidence showing the effectiveness of case management in improving health outcomes for clients with HIV/AIDS, certain factors influence the effectiveness of case management strategies. One of these factors is stigmatization. People living with HIV/AIDS experience a lot of stigma from the public. However, they also experience internalized stigma within the individual and can affect their participation in case management programs. According to Ma et al. (2019), internalized stigma is characterized by negative self-image and self-shame. As a result of internal stigma, clients develop mental health issues, hopelessness, and limited social support. This may hinder HIV clients from receiving care and adhering to treatment regimens because they see the point of living in more. In addition, Ma et al. (2019) suggest that internal stigmatization leads to suicidal ideation. Thus, even if a client is participating in a case management program, the presence of internal stigmatization may hinder the program’s effectiveness because the consequences of internal stigmatization negatively affect health outcomes. However, internal stigma can be modified or addressed through psychotherapy to ensure that patients receive the ben...