Less drug regimens and PI/r-based strategies in HIV infection : focus on best practices using the HIV patient's journey methodology

During these last two years less drug regimens (LDRs) in HIV, and in particular protease inhibitor (PI)/r-based strategies, have been explored both in clinical trials and in clinical practice. Many results are now available and more is known about how to use them safely and effectively. Understanding that an LDR strategy represents a real tailored therapeutic approach for the patient is crucial for the long-term success and positive management of HIV infection. Trust between patients and HIV specialists and a real focus on the patient's life are key factors for long life treatment success, in particular when using a LDR strategy. This is clearly shown by the HIV patient's journey (HPJ) methodology, used in an Italian national workshop to better define the criteria and challenges of LDR strategies. This paper shows the results of this complex process.