Implementation and evaluation of a therapeutic patient education programme during a clinical trial in Yaoundé Cameroon – Trial ANRS-12286/MOBIDIP

Objectives: High adherence is needed to maintain antiretroviral therapy efficacy. Few attempts at therapeutic patient education (TPE) have been made in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe patients’ achievements before intervention and identified needs, TPE programme implementation and evaluation, and patients’ satisfaction. Methods: The TPE programme was proposed to patients in the ANRS-12286/MOBIDIP trial. Beforehand, a directory of competences to manage HIV infection was designed. Patients’ HIV-related knowledge and skills assessment was realised, leading to an educational contract. Evaluation was performed using a standardised collection form and a satisfaction survey. Results: Of 154 patients, 146 underwent TPE. During a median of 1.8 years, 47% of patients had ≥3 consultations. Educational assessment revealed limited knowledge about HIV disease. Conversely, patients had frequently managed issues of adherence or disclosure. A median of 12 objectives were considered per patient, and 75% were attained. Objectives from the cognitive domain were less frequently attained. Patients appeared satisfied with the intervention: more emphasis was placed on psycho-affective aspects or experience-sharing than on the acquisition of knowledge. Conclusion: Active listening, know-how and a space for discussion appear more important for patients than knowledge on disease or treatments. Practice implications: In HIV care, the directory of learning objectives should be revised to include more objectives concerning practical skills for disease management.