The information-motivation-behavioral skills model of antiretroviral adherence and its applications.

Suboptimal adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may have serious consequences for HIV patients, and for public health overall. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model of HAART adherence can be used to understand the dynamics of HAART adherence and to intervene with patients to promote more optimal levels of adherence. This article reviews the core hypotheses of the IMB model of HAART adherence and describes available correlational and experimental evaluations of the model, outcomes of adherence intervention trials that applied the model, and IMB model-based interventions that are currently under evaluation. It then explores one potential promising application of the model that uses a protocol originally developed and demonstrated as a structured patient-centered, provider-delivered risk reduction intervention to deliver information, motivation, and behavioral skills-based adherence-promotion strategies. This protocol could be incorporated into clinical practice as a valuable tool in working with patients individually.