From VIH-TAVIE™ to TAVIE-WOMAN™: Development of a Web-Based Virtual Nursing Intervention to Meet the Specific Needs of Women Living With HIV

The web-based virtual nursing intervention VIH-TAVIE™ was designed to help people living with HIV (PLWH) adhere to their antiretroviral treatment (ART). The content of the intervention is generic and gender neutral. However, it is recognised that women living with HIV (WLWH) experience their condition in a unique way and face gender-specific challenges regarding ART intake. Consequently, it seemed appropriate to adapt VIH-TAVIE™ specifically for women. The purpose of this paper is to present the qualitative results of an evaluative study of VIH-TAVIE™ that describe the experience of six WLWH who received the web-based computer-delivered intervention and to present the content and specificities of an offshoot intervention under development, TAVIE-Woman™. The following themes emerged from the content analysis of interviews with the WLWH about : 1) presence of actual nurse on site to facilitate transition to virtual mode; 2) virtual nurse humanises experience of computer-delivered intervention; 3) learners’ appreciation of medium and content; and 4) perceived benefits following participation in the intervention. To adapt VIH-TAVIETM for women, discussions were also held with a healthcare team in a mother-child university hospital centre. The gender-specific content added to TAVIE-WomanTM included digital storytelling of HIV-positive women, various topics about changing ARV medication during pregnancy, neonatal ART prophylaxis, disclosure to children, adapting to life with HIV, selecting a birth-control method, and social support. Ultimately, the purpose of TAVIE-WomanTM is to support WLWH by offering them 24/7 access to tailored education and reliable quality information