 | To be seen within a reasonable time of your appointment. |
| Have all options for treatment explained to you including the risks and
benefits of each option. |
| To be fully involved in all decisions with regard to your treatment and
care. |
| To be treated with respect and confidentiality. |
| Your records to be kept securely and to be available for you to see if you
ask. |
| To refuse to participate in research trials without this effecting your
current and future care. |
| To make a complaint about your treatment without it affecting your future
care and have the complaint fully investigated. |
| To receive a second opinion from a suitably qualified doctor. |
| To receive a written response within a reasonable time to any letter that
you write to your hospital or clinic. |
| To change your doctor or treatment centre without it affecting your future
care. |
| To obtain a copy of your medical records. |
| To have all test results and a summary of your treatment history forwarded
to your new doctor or treatment centre. |
| Find a clinic that is convenient and that you feel comfortable with. |
| Find a doctor who you feel comfortable with: if you’re a woman and want
to see a female doctor, or a gay man and want to see a gay doctor, then this
should be possible. |
| Find a good GP who has a good knowledge of HIV and who will contact the
clinic on your behalf. |
| Make a list of things you want to discuss with your doctor and take this
to your appointment. |
| Keep a list of your drugs, dosages, when you need to take them. |
| See the same doctor at each visit. However, it is usually useful to see a
different doctor for a second opinion. |
| Book routine appointments in plenty of time. |
| Listen carefully to health advice that you are given and act upon it. |
| If you don’t understand anything, ask your doctor to explain it again or
differently. |
| Tell the doctor about any other drugs that you are taking – legal,
illegal, recreational, prescription or complimentary. Alternative treatments
and recreational/illegal drugs can cause side effects themselves and can
interact with HIV treatments. |
| Be honest about your adherence (taking your meds according to schedule). |
| Ask about drug trial research, since studies generate information that can
help yours and others future care. |
