Are Expert Patients an Untapped Resource for ART Provision in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Table 2

Application of conceptual framework to the programs in Kenya and Mozambique.

	Essential elements to become expert patients
Country	Information and skills	Motivation to take responsibility	Peer support
Kenya [20, 21]	CCC; (i) Trained in medical and psychosocial tasks; (ii) Offer psychosocial support; (iii) Deliver ART in the community; (iv) Refer problem cases when needed	(i) Formal training; (ii) Remuneration; (iii) Strict control and supervision; (iv) Proximity with fellow peers; (v) Recognition by PLWHA and HCW	CCC; (i) Better understanding of psychosocial barriers; (ii) Rely on day-to-day experience living with HIV/AIDS; (iii) Considered as advocates; (iv) ↑ Communication between HCW and community
Mozambique [22]	Information loop between HCW and CAG members and sharing information and skills in the community: (i) ↑ Information circulating in the community; (ii)↑ Skills of CAG members to; (a) Provide ART in the community; (b) Overcome daily obstacles to adherence; (c) Offer psychosocial support; (d) Refer problem cases when needed	(i) Direct social, health and economic benefits; (ii) Proximity with fellow peers, reinforced during continuous contacts in the community and periodic group sessions; (iii) Recognition by PLWHA and HCW	CAG members; (i) Social relationship networks contributes to: (a) Continuous information sharing; (b) Problem solving skills; (ii) Proximity—mutual psychosocial or financial support to address common challenges

ART: antiretroviral treatment, CAG: community ART groups, CCC: community care coordinators, HCW: health care worker, PLWHA: people living with HIV/AIDS.