Abstract
Background
Many studies have identified barriers to achieving goals for HIV care, thereby informing various intervention strategies. However, whether a given strategy can effectively overcome key barriers may depend on the extent to which patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) agree that it is useful. To address this gap, we conducted a survey study to compare patients’ and HCPs’ perceptions of strategies for promoting HIV prevention, medication adherence, and care retention.
Methods
The survey was administered to patients and their HCPs as part of collaborative educational programs held in 12 community clinics in urban and suburban areas across 6 southeastern states. Participants included each clinic’s staff and their patients living with or at risk for HIV infection. The surveys listed 12 strategies for overcoming barriers to HIV prevention, adherence, and retention. Patients and HCPs rated the extent to which each strategy would be helpful for achieving desired goals (scale: 1 = very unhelpful to 5 = very helpful). We conducted χ 2 or Fisher’s exact tests to assess between-group differences in the frequency of pooled ratings of 4 (helpful) and 5 (very helpful).
Results
Surveys were completed by 224 patients (69% with HIV diagnosis, mean age 47 years, 42% women, 75% African American) and 39 HCPs (42% health educators/counselors, 31% nurse practitioners, 24% social workers, 3% physicians). Among other findings (Figures 1–3), similar percentages of patients and HCPs, respectively, gave ratings of 4 or 5 for taking pills (PrEP) that prevent HIV (83%, 80%); using a smartphone app with medication reminders (78%, 74%); and making it easier to get clinic appointments (90%, 85%). More discordant perceptions, all reflecting lower percentages of 4 or 5 ratings among patients than HCPs, were evident for talking with a counselor (82%, 90%); getting support from friends and family (82%, 92%); and improving relationships with clinic staff (85%, 100%).
Conclusion
These findings may inform interventions that are perceived by both patients and HCPs to be helpful for promoting HIV prevention, medication adherence, and retention. Effective interventions must address any discordance between patients and HCPs in the usefulness of selected strategies.
Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
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