PRNewswire - June 3, 2003

"Like our music, the Dialogues program empowers people," said Watkins, whose close friend passed away from HIV/AIDS. "Sadly, many patients do not know the basics about their disease and that with treatment they may live a long time with HIV."

That's why Dialogues delivers easy-to-understand HIV information on a range of key topics and quick-reference materials, such as definitions of key medical terms and tips for managing side effects. Anyone can access the program by calling toll-free 1-800-576-6600 or logging on to http://www.HIV-Dialogues.com. If more in-depth information is needed, patients can call or link to one of many third-party resources provided.

"When you access the program, you'll learn what you need to know to talk to your doctor and set up a strategy for living with HIV, which is a plan to keep you here," said Thomas.

Long-term treatment planning is important, and this is why Watkins and Thomas are working with experts, including the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), the American Public Health Association (APHA), and the National Association of AIDS Education & Training Centers (NAAETC), to educate and empower people with HIV to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers about their care.

"You have to become involved in your own care because it's your life and it's worth it," said Thomas. "Don't be afraid to ask questions to understand what your doctor thinks you should do and why. Even if you think a question is ridiculous, so what, ask anyway."

A survey of 1,259 people with HIV showed that more than 60 percent had not discussed long-term medication planning with a healthcare provider in the previous six months. Given this, they are probably not aware that failing to start with the medicines that are right for them may impact their future options due to resistance or cross-resistance issues.

"Dialogues helps you communicate what you really want to get across to your doctor, including the strategy you want to set up for yourself to make sure you don't run out of treatment options," said Watkins.

Dialogues also helps patients choose a healthcare provider that they feel comfortable talking to and then working with to manage their HIV. Personal planner tools that allow patients to record questions for their doctor, track instructions for taking medicines and develop a long-term treatment plan are also available as part of the program.

"Without a partnership between provider and patient, managing HIV is an uphill battle," said Dr. Luther Virgil, Jr., a physician at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C, and one of the expert advisors for the Dialogues program. "If patients work with their doctor to choose a treatment plan that is right for them, they can increase their chance of living longer."

Bridging the Gap

Bridging this communication gap is even more critical given the changing face of HIV. Some people with HIV, including African Americans and Latinos who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, may face barriers to HIV treatment based on presumptive judgments about their ability to play a role in their own care.

Furthermore, up to 50 percent of HIV patients also suffer from other illnesses like depression and Hepatitis C, making treatment even more complicated.

"With HIV disproportionately affecting African Americans, Latinos and women, we've chosen to speak out through Dialogues so people with HIV get the information they need so that they can become a part of decisions that impact how they feel," said Thomas.

To ensure that resources are available for all people with HIV, as well as healthcare professionals and others providing support for these individuals, a board of HIV experts and organizations that include ANAC, APHA and NAAETC created Dialogues in collaboration with Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Pfizer Company.

"Many patients don't feel empowered to discuss treatment issues with their healthcare providers," explained Susan Fulmer, MPH, MS, and Chair-Elect of the HIV/AIDS Section at the American Public Health Association. "Dialogues gives patients basic information on how to improve their communication and tips on understanding treatment issues. By also relaying information and strategies that help providers become sensitive to the communication needs of their patients, Dialogues opens a vital window of opportunity for both provider and patient."

Thomas and Watkins, together with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, formed TLC, the best-selling female group in music history, selling more than 27 million albums and 9 million singles worldwide in less than a decade. Many of their songs speak to the empowerment of women, and their hit song Waterfalls alludes to the dangers of HIV. Released in late 2002, the group's latest project -- 3D -- is a tribute to Lopes, who passed away in a tragic car accident earlier that year.

In August 2002, Watkins and Thomas announced a one-time $25,000 AIDS educational scholarship in honor of Lopes. As part of MTV's Fight For Your Rights: Protect Yourself campaign, the Lisa Lopes AIDS Scholarship is awarded to one young person showing dedication and leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dialogues Program Partners

The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) is a nonprofit professional nursing organization committed to fostering the individual and collective professional development of nurses involved in the delivery of healthcare to persons infected with or affected by HIV and to promoting the health, welfare, and rights of all HIV-infected persons.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) has been influencing policies and setting priorities in public health for more than 125 years. APHA represents more than 50,000 members and brings together researchers, health service providers, administrators, teachers, and other health workers in a unique, multidisciplinary environment of professional exchange, study, and action.

The National Association of AIDS Education & Training Centers (NAAETC) represents the leadership of the AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETC) program. The AETC program is the training arm of the Ryan White Care Act and consists of both regional and national training centers whose mandate is to provide HIV/AIDS education and training to professionals who have direct-care responsibilities for HIV-infected people. The program targets providers serving underserved populations and CARE Act-supported facilities, focusing on the up-to-date clinical management of HIV and the development and adoption of innovative training methods toward these goals.

Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer Inc in 2000. Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines, for humans and animals, and many of the world's best-known, over-the-counter consumer brands.

SOURCE Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.HIV-Dialogues.com

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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