Effective care coordination for an HIV-positive pregnant woman is paramount. Without a coordinated, cohesive model, the risk is in women not engaging in care or being lost to follow-up, having suboptimal adherence to antiviral medication and risking transmission of the virus to her unborn child.
Ideally, the pregnant woman should have HIV care in an integrated way, through a one-stop-shop where she can see obstetric and HIV services at one location with allied health professionals available on-site to deal with social or psychosocial issues that may arise.
In this way, improved engagement of the woman in her care is achieved; there is enhanced communication across disciplines leading to optimal outcomes.
Care coordination can be nurse-led in this model - it is cost-effective and provides a constant point of reference for the woman and for other health professionals who may be involved during the pregnancy and beyond.