THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORK IN MEDICATION TREATMENT ADHERENCE: HIV/AIDS AS A - Case Study - Presented by NASW HIV/AIDS Spectrum

Sep 21, 2026

Training presentation on strengthening medication treatment adherence for people living with HIV/AIDS, using social work as a core mechanism for engagement and sustained follow-through. Defines adherence and its practical meaning, outlines key concepts and cultural competence, and examines substance use and mental health factors that shape adherence. Reviews challenges and determinants, then introduces ADHERE as a structured model for applying adherence strategies, supported by diversity-aware practice guidance and discussion prompts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time1 h 31 min

AccessFree to download

Objectives

Agenda

Key Concepts and Definitions

Role of Social Work

Defining Adherence

Substance Use and Mental Health Issues

Challenges and Determinants of Adherence

ADHERE Model

Questions/Comments

Bio/Psycho/Social/Spiritual Framework

Diversity in Practice

Cultural Competence

Working with Diverse Populations

Social Work Primary Practice Areas

Adherence

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORK IN MEDICATION TREATMENT ADHERENCE: HIV/AIDS AS A CASE STUDY FACULTY: Susan Gallego, LCSW Director of Client Services, San Francisco AIDS Foundation (San Francisco, CA) Brian Giddens, ACSW, LICSW Associate Director, Social Work, Univ. of Washington Medical Center (Seattle, WA) Susan Haikalis, ACSW, LCSW Executive Director, Community Health Resource Center (San Francisco, CA) MODERATOR: Evelyn P. Tomaszewski, MSW Project Director, NASW HIV/AIDS Spectrum Project (Washington, DC) January 29, 2004 1 © NASW December 2003 Presented by NASW HIV/AIDS Spectrum: Mental Health Training and Education of Social Workers Project OBJECTIVES n Define adherence and understand the importance and challenges of medication adherence; n Review key concepts to ensure culturally competent practice; n Understand the unique role of social work in promoting adherence; n Learn how to apply ADHERE, a model for application of adherence strategies. 2 AGENDA n Welcome and Introductions n Key Concepts and Definitions n Role of Social Work n Defining Adherence n Substance Use and Mental Health Issues n Challenges and Determinants of Adherence [n](n Questions/Answers adhere@naswdc.org)[ Questions/Answers ](n Questions/Answers adhere@naswdc.org)[ adhere@naswdc.org](n Questions/Answers adhere@naswdc.org) n ADHERE Model n Questions/Comments n Closing and Evaluation 3 BIO/PSYCHO/SOCIAL/SPIRITUAL bio (biology) refers to the physical and medical aspects of ourselves psycho (psychology) refers to the emotional aspects of our lives social refers to socio-cultural, socio-political, and socio- spiritual refers to the way people find meaning in their economic issues lives 4 DIVERSITY IN PRACTICE n There are a variety of cultural experiences (gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and age) n Some aspects of culture and enduring (values and world views) while other aspects change (idiomatic expressions, style or mode of dress) n People identify with multiple cultural identities 5 CULTURAL COMPETENCE Refers to the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each. Cite: NASW Standards for Cultural Competence, 2001 6 WORKING WITH DIVERSE POPULATONS EXAMPLES OF CULTURALLY COMPETENT PRACTICE Discuss with the client: n What are their primary cultural beliefs and values? ß Individualism versus collectivism ß What is their concept of time ß How do they view or conceptualize disease? ß What are the cultural beliefs about the cause and treatment of disease ß Is there a historical context of culture and healthcare (that may lead to mistrust)? ß For example: Tuskegee syphilis study or blood banks’ refusal to accept blood from MSMs 7 SOCIAL WORK PRIMARY PRACTICE AREAS ~~ 14% ~~ Cite: NASW (PRN1,3, 2000) 8 “THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTHCARE PROVISION” Social Worker Physician Nurse Pharmacist Other Providers Assessment and Treatment Planning 9 ADHERENCE n To be in a state of adherence; fidelity; steady attachment n To follow a prescribed course of action 10

FAQs

How does the presentation define medication adherence for HIV/AIDS treatment?

It frames adherence as being in a state of fidelity and steady attachment, including following a prescribed course of action to maintain treatment continuity.

Why is cultural competence emphasized in adherence-related social work practice?

Cultural competence is treated as the process that helps individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively across cultures, affirming dignity and supporting culturally informed care decisions.

What role does social work play in promoting adherence?

The material positions social work as uniquely suited to promote engagement and adherence by applying culturally competent, diversity-aware practice strategies and addressing adherence barriers.

Sep 21, 2026

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