scholarly journals A modified HIV continuum of care: A six-year evaluation of a viral load cascade at a hospital-based clinic in Kingston, Jamaica

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 748-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey J Barrow ◽  
Margaret L Brandeau
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Continuum Of Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Outcome Indicators ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Hiv Continuum Of Care

To achieve the goal of HIV viral suppression, provision of medication alone is not sufficient. Concomitant frameworks to evaluate HIV care delivery programmes are needed. This study examined the care continuum at a hospital-based HIV clinic in Kingston, Jamaica using a modified HIV continuum of care, with an increased focus on viral load indicators (viral load samples taken, results returned and viral suppression). A statistical analysis of patient flow through the care continuum to identify gaps in programme delivery was performed. Key programmatic areas for process improvement and the utility of this approach for viral load suppression interpretation were identified. Between 2010 and 2015, more than 1600 patients had been registered for care and more than 1000 had accessed antiretroviral therapy at this location. Consistent trends in programme performance were seen from 2010 to 2012. Although declines in the proportion of viral load samples taken and results returned occurred because of laboratory failures in 2013, the trend of increasing numbers and proportions of virally suppressed patients continued. Statistical analysis indicated that improvements in laboratory quality (fraction of viral load samples returned with accurate test results) could increase viral load suppression among patients at the clinic by up to 17%. Refining care delivery processes can significantly improve HIV viral load suppression rates. Expanding monitoring frameworks to include all of the essential processes that affect final outcome indicators can provide valuable insight into trends of outcome indicators and programme performance.

Importance of HIV Care Continuum

2020 ◽  
pp. 50-67
Author(s):  
Simon George Taukeni ◽  
Eveline Ndinelao Kalomo
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Counseling ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Counseling And Testing

This chapter seeks to create further awareness and public health education on the importance of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care continuum as one of the key policy focal areas to significantly reduce the HIV epidemic. Specific efforts were directed into the need to implement comprehensive HIV care continuum. The chapter argues that rolling out HIV counseling and testing, enrolled and linked patients to care, prescribing antiretroviral therapy, viral load testing and monitoring are key to achieve viral load suppression. Recommendations and future research direction have put much emphasis on an effort to address psychosocial factors such as stigma, inadequate healthcare facilities, laboratory testing equipment, social and cultural barriers to testing and treatment, to improve access and overall implementation of HIV care continuum.

scholarly journals HIV Care Continuum from diagnosis in a Counseling and Testing Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angélica da Mata Rossi ◽  
Silvia Paulino Ribeiro Albanese ◽  
Ingridt Hildegard Vogler ◽  
Flávia Meneguetti Pieri ◽  
Edvilson Cristiano Lentine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Late Diagnosis ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
Testing Center ◽  
Hiv Aids

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the HIV care continuum from the diagnosis in an HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Center (CTC), and the sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics related to gender. Method: Epidemiological study, conducted with data of individuals assisted at a Counseling and Testing Center, and followed in an outpatient clinic for HIV/AIDS. Pearson’s Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to obtain odds ratios, considering alpha value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of HIV among 5,229 users was 5%. The highest chance of positive results was among men, aged 14 to 33 years old, who were not in a domestic partnership. In the analysis of TCD4+ lymphocytes and viral load (VL) of 238 cases, 56.1% had a late diagnosis. We have identified gaps in the care cascade, especially linkage to the care, retention in care, and viral load suppression. Conclusion: The results suggest a late diagnosis for both genders, as well as difficulty in reaching the viral suppression goal.

scholarly journals 896. Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Delivery of HIV Care and Prevention Services Among Patients in a Ryan White Clinic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S539-S539
Author(s):  
Michelle Zhang ◽  
Sharlay Butler ◽  
Jason Kennedy ◽  
Molly McKune ◽  
Ghady Haidar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Non Parametric

Abstract Background We sought to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV-related outcomes in a cohort of patients by examining rates of viral load (VL) suppression, retention-in-care, PrEP access, and STIs. Methods This was a single center, retrospective study of adults receiving HIV treatment or HIV/STI prevention services from 01/2019 - 12/2020. HIV outpatient visits were identified through HRSA’s CareWARE. Visits (in-person, telehealth) only included HIV primary care. HRSA core performance measures were utilized (Table 1). STI positivity rates and descriptive characteristics were calculated. New and refill PrEP prescriptions were tabulated. Chi-square tests compared unmatched non-parametric variables; McNemar’s test matched non-parametric variables. Multivariable logistic regression identified variables associated with retention in care and viral suppression. Results 1721 patients received care; 1234 were seen in both years, 334 only in 2019, 153 only in 2020. The number of telehealth visits increased significantly: video (0% to 31%, &lt; 0.001), phone (0% to 0.4%, p &lt; 0.001). Though the proportion of kept appointments increased (57.2% vs 61.2%), the annual retention in care rate decreased from 74.5% to 70.9% (p = 0.002). Overall, 9.7% of patients had detectable VLs at any point. Compared to 2019, a lower proportion of patients maintained VL suppression in 2020, (91.6% vs 83.5% p = 0.075). More patients did not have a VL drawn in 2020 than in 2019 (10.3% vs 2.0 %, p &lt; 0.001). Patients with detectable VLs in 2019 were more likely than those who were undetectable to have detectable VLs in 2020 (OR 18.2, 95% CI 9.91-33.42). Black race was associated with higher likelihood of lack of VL suppression (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.10-3.66). There were no significant differences between gender or age groups in rates of viral suppression, number screened for bacterial STIs or positive results. Visits for new and refill PrEP prescriptions decreased by 59% and 7%, respectively. Conclusion Rates of viral load suppression and retention in care decreased in 2020 compared to 2019. The proportion of clinic visits attended increased after the integration of telemedicine in 2020. These data may be used to inform evidence-based interventions to improve the HIV continuum of care through telehealth. Disclosures Ghady Haidar, MD, Karuys (Grant/Research Support)

Barriers to HIV treatment adherence among adults living with HIV in the eastern Dominican Republic

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110141
Author(s):  
Elizabeth S. Bast ◽  
Samantha Stonbraker ◽  
Mina Halpern ◽  
Elizabeth Lowenthal ◽  
Robert Gross
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Barriers To Care ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Living With Hiv

Despite access to nationally supplied antiretroviral treatment, viral load suppression rates remain suboptimal in the Dominican Republic. Counseling and support services are available but mainly targeted to those identified as having the most need. At Clínica de Familia La Romana (CFLR) in La Romana, all patients undergo a structured baseline interview including exploration of expected barriers to care. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of a random sample of patients at CFLR with treatment initiation between 1 January 2015 and 1 December 2017 to determine if self-identified barriers to HIV care predict viral load suppression. Viral load suppression occurred in 63% of the 203 patients evaluated. Lack of food ( n = 19) was significantly associated with lack of viral suppression (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.14–7.87). Nondisclosure of HIV status ( n = 24) showed evidence for a protective effect (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.11–1.0). Further steps should be taken to address food insecurity as well as to understand associated barriers to care among individuals with food insecurity.

scholarly journals 1311. Ryan White HIV Care Continuum Model Doubled the Rate of Community HIV Viral Suppression for Newly Diagnosed Patients: A 10-Year Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S473-S473
Author(s):  
Christina Rizk ◽  
Alice Zhao ◽  
Janet Miceli ◽  
Portia Shea ◽  
Merceditas Villanueva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
New Haven ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Art Initiation ◽  
Ryan White ◽  
Hiv Viral Suppression

Abstract Background It is estimated that 1,295 per 100,000 are people living with HIV (PLWH) in New Haven, which is the second highest rate of HIV prevalence in Connecticut. Since 2009, New Haven has established the Ryan White (RW) HIV Care Continuum. The main goals of HIV care are early linkage to care, ART initiation, and HIV viral suppression. This study is designed to understand the trends and outcomes in newly diagnosed PLWH in New Haven County. Methods This study is a retrospective medical record review of all newly diagnosed RW eligible PLWH from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. The data were collected in REDCap database and included demographics, HIV risk factor, presence of mental health and/or substance abuse disorder, date of diagnosis, date of initial visit, and ART initiation. Health outcomes such as AIDS at diagnosis and rate of viral suppression were evaluated. The data were then analyzed to show the trends over 10 years. Results From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018 there were 420 newly diagnosed RW PLWH. Sixty-seven percent of those were male, 56% were non-white, 47% self-identified as Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), and 41% were heterosexual. Twenty-nine percent had AIDS-defining condition at the time of the diagnosis. Thirty-four percent of the 420 patients had a mental health and/or substance use disorder; 53% of those were MSM and 51% were non-white. Over the 10-year period, it was noted that the duration between date of HIV diagnosis and linkage to care as well as ART initiation decreased. This decline was associated with a substantial increase in viral suppression. The average time between the dates of HIV diagnosis and initial visit decreased from 269 days in 2009 to 13 days in 2018. Moreover, the average time between the dates of diagnosis and ART initiation dropped from 308 days in 2009 to 15 days in 2018. The 1-year HIV viral suppression rate subsequently doubled from 44% in 2009 to 87% in 2018 (P < 0.01). Conclusion The Ryan White HIV Care Continuum Model with emphasis on early linkage to care and ART initiation can have a significant impact on HIV viral suppression at a community level for newly diagnosed patients. Another important observation in this study was the alarming high rate of AIDS at diagnosis, which highlights the need for universal HIV testing, and early diagnosis. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals High Rates of Retention and Viral Suppression in the US HIV Safety Net System: HIV Care Continuum in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, 2011

2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. Doshi ◽  
J. Milberg ◽  
D. Isenberg ◽  
T. Matthews ◽  
F. Malitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Ryan White ◽  
The Us ◽  
Aids Program ◽  
Hiv Aids

scholarly journals Value-Based HIV Care: A Method to Improve Quality of HIV Care.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido van den berk ◽  
Daoud Ait Moha ◽  
Janneke Stalenhoef ◽  
Marie-Jose Kleene ◽  
Narda van der Meche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
First Year ◽  
Outcome Indicators ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Care Path

Abstract Background : To support our goal of providing optimal HIV care to our patients, we started applying the value-based health care principle to the HIV care that we offer in our HIV center, measuring relevant health outcomes and costs to allow continuous implementation of improvements (Value-Based HIV Care; VBHiC). Methods : In line with the principles of Michael Porter, our approach consisted of the following steps: 1) Organizing into integrated practice units / describing the HIV care path; 2) Defining an HIV outcome indicator set; 3) Building an enabling information technology platform; 4) Integrating care delivery across separate facilities; 5) Moving to bundled payments for care cycles and 6) Expanding excellent services and interventions for improvement across geographic boundaries. Results : The following set of 9 outcome indicators was developed: undetectable HIV load within the first year of care; quality of life within the first year of care; mortality within the first year of care; retention in care; therapy effectiveness; therapy tolerance; cardiovascular risk; quality of life for every subsequent year and overall annual mortality. These indicators, which were evaluated retrospectively, are shown in figures 1-5. Collection of the underlying data started in January 2016. The HIV care path was also integrated into the electronic file system. Creation of the ability to monitor outcome indicators at patient level, population level and process level allowed us to implement a quality cycle (plan-do-study-act). Conclusion : Our Value-Based HIV Care approach facilitated structured evaluation of parameters that are of value to the patient. It also boosted the quality of the HIV care that we provide and allowed us to increase the number of patients to whom we can offer high quality HIV care.

scholarly journals “Is a Bird in the Hand Worth 5 in the Bush?”: A Comparison of 3 Data-to-Care Referral Strategies on HIV Care Continuum Outcomes in San Francisco

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darpun D Sachdev ◽  
Elise Mara ◽  
Alison J Hughes ◽  
Erin Antunez ◽  
Robert Kohn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Hiv Surveillance ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Linkage To Hiv Care ◽  
Durable Viral Suppression

Abstract Background Health departments utilize HIV surveillance data to identify people with HIV (PWH) who need re-linkage to HIV care as part of an approach known as Data to Care (D2C.) The most accurate, effective, and efficient method of identifying PWH for re-linkage is unknown. Methods We evaluated referral and care continuum outcomes among PWH identified using 3 D2C referral strategies: health care providers, surveillance, and a combination list derived by matching an electronic medical record registry to HIV surveillance. PWH who were enrolled in the re-linkage intervention received short-term case management for up to 90 days. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare proportions of PWH retained and virally suppressed before and after re-linkage. Durable viral suppression was defined as having suppressed viral loads at all viral load measurements in the 12 months after re-linkage. Results After initial investigation, 233 (24%) of 954 referrals were located and enrolled in navigation. Although the numbers of surveillance and provider referrals were similar, 72% of enrolled PWH were identified by providers, 16% by surveillance, and 12% by combination list. Overall, retention and viral suppression improved, although relative increases in retention and viral suppression were only significant among individuals identified by surveillance or providers. Seventy percent of PWH who achieved viral suppression after the intervention remained durably virally suppressed. Conclusions PWH referred by providers were more likely to be located and enrolled in navigation than PWH identified by surveillance or combination lists. Overall, D2C re-linkage efforts improved retention, viral suppression, and durable viral suppression.

scholarly journals Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Initiation at a Community-Based Clinic in Jackson, MS

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney E. Sims Gomillia ◽  
Kandis V. Backus ◽  
James B. Brock ◽  
Sandra C. Melvin ◽  
Jason J. Parham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Virologic Suppression ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Art Initiation ◽  
Healthcare Center ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART), ideally initiated within twenty-four hours of diagnosis, may be crucial in efforts to increase virologic suppression and reduce HIV transmission. Recent studies, including demonstration projects in large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Francisco, California; and Washington D.C., have demonstrated that rapid ART initiation is a novel tool for expediting viral suppression in clinical settings. Here we present an evaluation of the impact of a rapid ART initiation program in a community-based clinic in Jackson, MS. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with HIV at Open Arms Healthcare Center or were linked to the clinic for HIV care by the Mississippi State Department of Health Disease Intervention Specialists from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Initial viral load, CD4+ T cell count, issuance of an electronic prescription (e-script), subsequent viral loads until suppressed and patient demographics were collected for each individual seen in clinic during the review period. Viral suppression was defined as a viral load less than 200 copies/mL. Rapid ART initiation was defined as receiving an e-script for antiretrovirals within seven days of diagnosis. Results Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, 70 individuals were diagnosed with HIV and presented to Open Arms Healthcare Center, of which 63 (90%) completed an initial HIV counseling visit. Twenty-seven percent of patients were provided with an e-script for ART within 7 days of diagnosis. The median time to linkage to care for this sample was 12 days and 5.5 days for rapid ART starters (p < 0.001). Median time from diagnosis to viral suppression was 55 days for rapid ART starters (p = 0.03), a 22 day decrease from standard time to viral suppression. Conclusion Our results provide a similar level of evidence that rapid ART initiation is effective in decreasing time to viral suppression. Evidence from this evaluation supports the use of rapid ART initiation after an initial HIV diagnosis, including same-day treatment.

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