scholarly journals OPT-In For Life: A Mobile Technology–Based Intervention to Improve HIV Care Continuum for Young Adults Living With HIV

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 727-737
Author(s):  
John Zurlo ◽  
Ping Du ◽  
Alexander Haynos ◽  
Verbenia Collins ◽  
Tarek Eshak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Living With Hiv

Young adults living with HIV (YALH) have lower rates of retention in care and HIV viral suppression. Multiple barriers exist to engage YALH in care. We developed and implemented a multifaceted, mobile application-based intervention, “OPT-In for Life,” by targeting YALH to encourage retention in care and eventually viral suppression. The app integrated multiple user-friendly features for YALH to manage their HIV care, including a two-way secure messaging function, HIV-related laboratory results, and appointment or medication reminders. We recruited 92 YALH who were 18 to 34 years old and were newly diagnosed with HIV, had a history of falling out of care, or had a detectable HIV viral load into this intervention. Study participants used the app to manage their HIV care and to communicate and interact with their HIV care team. During the intervention period, the retention rate among our study participants increased from 41.3% at baseline to 78.6% at 6-month follow-up, maintained at 12-month follow-up (79.8%), and slightly decreased to 73.4% at 18-month follow-up but it was still significantly higher than the baseline retention rate ( p < .0001). The viral suppression rate (HIV RNA <200 copies/ml) increased from 64.1% at baseline to about 85% at 6-month and at 12-month follow-up and reached 91.4% at 18-month ( p = .0002) among participants who were retained in care. Our study demonstrated using a HIPAA-compliant mobile application as an effective intervention to engage YALH in care. This mobile technology–based intervention can be incorporated into routine clinical practice to improve HIV care continuum.

scholarly journals 1322. A Mobile Technology-Based Intervention Improves HIV Care Continuum for Young People Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S478-S478
Author(s):  
Ping Du ◽  
John Zurlo ◽  
Tarek Eshak ◽  
Tonya Crook ◽  
Cynthia Whitener
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Hiv Viral Suppression ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) have lower rates of retention in care and HIV viral suppression. Multiple barriers exist to engage YPLWH in care. As nearly all YPLWH use their mobile phones to access health information and to communicate with other people, we implemented a mobile technology-based intervention with the goal to improve HIV care continuum in YPLWH. Methods YPLWH were eligible for this study if they were: (1) aged 18–34 years; (2) newly diagnosed with HIV; (3) having a history of being out of care; or (4) not virally suppressed. We recruited YPLWH during January 2017-May 2018 and followed them every 6 months. We developed a HIPAA-compliant mobile application, “OPT-In For Life,” and let participants use this app to manage their HIV care. The app integrated multiple features that enabled users to communicate with the HIV treatment team via a secure messaging function, to access laboratory results and HIV prevention resources, and to set up appointment or medication reminders. We obtained participants’ demographics, app-usage data, and medical records to evaluate if this mobile technology-based intervention would improve HIV care continuum among YPLWH. We used a quasi-experiment study design to compare the rates of retention in care and HIV viral suppression every 6 months between study participants and YPLWH who were eligible but not enrolled in the study. Results 92 YPLWH participated in this study (70% male, 56% Hispanics or Blacks, 54% retained in care, and 66% virally suppressed at baseline). On average study participants used the app 1–2 times/week to discuss various health issues and supportive services with HIV providers, to access HIV-related health information, and to manage their HIV care. At the 6-month evaluation, compared with 88 eligible YPLWH who were not enrolled in this intervention, study participants had increased rates of retention in care (baseline-to-6-month between participants and nonparticipants: 54%–84% vs. 26%–25%) and HIV viral suppression (66%–80% vs. 56%–60%). Conclusion Our study demonstrates using a HIPAA-compliant mobile app as an effective intervention to engage YPLWH in care. This intervention can be adapted by other HIV programs to improve HIV care continuum for YPLWH or broader HIV populations. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Impact of a child -friendly clinic on retention of HIV-infected children in care: an intervention study

1970 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 175-179
Author(s):  
OR Ugwu
Keyword(s):  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Child Friendly ◽  
Children In Care ◽  
The Impact

Background: Certain researchers have reported that a child-friendly clinic may improve patient/caregiver satisfaction at clinic attendance. This could serve as an innovation for reducing loss-to-follow up and increasing retention in care.Aim: To assess the impact of making the clinic more child-friendly on clinic experience, retention in care and loss-to-follow up of HIV -infected children.Method: The study was carried out in three phases. Phase one was a satisfaction survey to find out the patient/caregivers’ satisfaction of the clinic environment and services provided using a selfadministered questionnaire. Phase two was the creation of the childfriendly environment and phase three was a post-provision of child-friendly clinic satisfaction survey. The loss-to-follow up rate (failure to return to clinic ≥3months after the last scheduled clinic appointment in a child not known to be dead or transferred out of the facility) and retention rate (remaining alive and receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy) were also determined before and after setting up the childfriendly clinic.Results: There were 146 respondents before the study and 206 respondents after the intervention. The retention rate increased from 62.5% to 82% (p=0.02), while the loss-to-follow up rate dropped from 27.7% to 7.0% (p=0.00).Conclusion: Making the clinic area child-friendly can impact greatly on HIV care by improving patient satisfaction and retention of HIVinfected children in care and reducing loss-to-follow up.Key words: HIV, child-friendly environment, retention in care, loss to follow-up.

scholarly journals The expansion of a patient tracer programme to identify and return patients loss to follow up at a large HIV clinic in Trinidad

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Jeffrey Edwards ◽  
Nyla Lyons ◽  
Wendy Samaroo-Francis ◽  
Leon-Omari Lavia ◽  
Isshad John ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Status ◽  
Care Models ◽  
Clinic Medical ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Abstract Background Patients who default from HIV care are usually poorly adherent to antiretroviral treatment which results in suboptimal viral suppression. The study assessed the outcomes of retention in care and viral suppression by expansion of an intervention using two patient tracers to track patients lost to follow up at a large HIV clinic in Trinidad. Methods Two Social Workers were trained as patient tracers and hired for 15 months (April 2017–June 2018) to call patients who were lost to follow up for 30 days or more during the period July 2016–May 2018 at the HIV clinic Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago. Results Over the 15-month period, of the of 2473 patients who missed their scheduled visits for 1 month or more, 261 (10.6%) patients were no longer in active care—89 patients dead, 65 migrated, 55 hospitalized, 33 transferred to another treatment clinic and 19 incarcerated. Of the remaining 2212 patients eligible for tracing, 1869 (84.5%) patients were returned to care, 1278 (68.6%) were virally unsuppressed (viral load > 200 copies/ml) and 1727 (92.4%) were re-initiated on ART. Twelve months after their return, 1341 (71.7%) of 1869 patients were retained in care and 1154 (86.1%) of these were virally suppressed. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed that persons were more likely to be virally suppressed if they were employed (OR, 1.39; 95% CI 1.07–1.80), if they had baseline CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm3 (OR, 1.71; 95% CI 1.26–2.32) and if they were retained in care at 12 months (OR, 2.48; 95% CI 1.90–3.24). Persons initiated on ART for 4–6 years (OR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.13–8.48,), 7–9 years (OR, 3.97; 95% CI 1.39–11.31), > 10 years (OR, 5.99; 95% CI 1.74–20.64 were more likely to be retained in care. Conclusions Patient Tracing is a feasible intervention to identify and resolve the status of patients who are loss to follow up and targeted interventions such as differentiated care models may be important to improve retention in care.

scholarly journals Outcomes along the HIV continuum of care for Men who have Sex with Men in Haiti

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
W Dunbar ◽  
N Sohler ◽  
Y Coppieters
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Continuum Of Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Virologic Suppression ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background The HIV epidemic in Haiti continues, with an estimated 160,000 people living with HIV at the end of 2018. Although HIV prevalence in the general population is estimated to be 2.0%, certain groups are at a higher risk of HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) is estimated to be 12.9%. As previous data have found gaps in HIV care for this population, we explored the steps in the continuum of care to determine outcomes at each step. Methods We used an observational retrospective cohort study design to follow up MSM diagnosed with HIV in the largest HIV care clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Estimates were calculated of proportions of participants reached, tested, linked to care, commencing treatment, adherent to treatment, and who achieved virologic suppression. We identified factors associated with loss to follow-up at each step using multivariable analysis. Results Data were collected between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018. 5009 MSM were reached for prevention services. Of those reached, 2499 (49.8%, 95% CI 48.5-51.3) were tested for HIV, 222 (8.8%, 95% CI 7.8-10.0) had a positive test result for HIV, and 172 (77,47%, 95% CI 71.4-82.8) were linked to HIV care. Among participants who started care, 54 (44.6 95% CI 24.5-38.9) were retained and 98 (78.4%, 95% CI 49.2-64.5) achieve a suppressed viral load. Fifty-nine (44.8%, 95% CI 27.2-41.9) were lost to follow-up. Participants who had been younger, with lower educational and economic level were significantly less likely to achieve retention and viral suppression (p = 0.001). Conclusions HIV cascade data among MSM in Haiti show very poor rates of retention in treatment although those retained had good virologic outcome. Characteristics associated with LTFU suggest an urgent need to develop and implement effective interventions to support patients in achieving retention and viral suppression among MSM living with HIV. Key messages Poor HIV outcomes for men who have sex with men in Haiti. Effective interventions to improve HIV outcomes for men who have sex with men in Haiti are urgently needed.

scholarly journals 878. Telemedicine Implementation in a Midwestern HIV Clinic: One Year Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S531-S531
Author(s):  
Nichole N Regan ◽  
Laura Krajewski ◽  
Nada Fadul
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Medical Visit ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Safe Alternative

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, we realized the importance of limiting in-clinic interactions with patients who were stable on antiretroviral therapy to promote social distancing. Our HIV clinic adopted telemedicine practices, in line with the HHS Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons With HIV. Several HIV clinics reported lower viral suppression rates during the pandemic. We aim to describe the implementation process as well as year one outcomes of telemedicine at our clinic. Methods In March 2020, we created telemedicine protocols; we also designed and continuously updated algorithms for determining patient eligibility for telemedicine based on recent viral loads and last clinic visit. We monitored outcomes through electronic medical record chart reviews between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. We collected patient demographics, and federal poverty level (FPL) information. We collected baseline and post-intervention rates of viral load suppression (VLS, defined as HIV RNA &lt; 200 copies per mL), medical visit frequency (MVF, defined as percentage of patients who had one visit in each 6 months of the preceding 24 months with at least 60 days between visits) and lost to care (LOC, no follow up within 12 months period). Results We conducted a total of 2298 ambulatory medical visits; 1642 were in person and 656 (29%) were telemedicine visits. Out of those, 2177 were follow up visits (649, 30% telemedicine). There was no difference of telemedicine utilization based on race (28% in African Americans vs. 32% in Whites); ethnicity (30% in Hispanic vs. 30% in Hon-Hispanic); gender (24% in females vs. 30% in males); or FPL (28% in FPL &lt; 200% vs. 31% in FPL &gt;200%). By the end of April 2021, overall clinic VLS rate was 94%, MVF was 48%, and there were 40 patients LOC compared to 92%, 49%, and 43 patients in April 2020, respectively. Conclusion Telemedicine was a safe alternative to routine in-person HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed similar rates of utilization across demographic and FPL status. Applying selection criteria, viral suppression and retention in care rates were not adversely impacted by shift to telemedicine modality. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Challenges Across the HIV Care Continuum for Patients With HIV/TB Co-infection in Atlanta, GA

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos C Schechter ◽  
Destani Bizune ◽  
Michelle Kagei ◽  
David P Holland ◽  
Carlos del Rio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inner City ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
City Hospital ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Sequential Art ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Tb Treatment

Abstract Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for persons with HIV infection prevents tuberculosis (TB) disease. Additionally, sequential ART after initiation of TB treatment improves outcomes. We examined ART use, retention in care, and viral suppression (VS) before, during, and 3 years following TB treatment for an inner-city cohort in the United States. Methods Retrospective cohort study among persons treated for culture-confirmed TB between 2008 and 2015 at an inner-city hospital. Results Among 274 persons with culture-confirmed TB, 96 (35%) had HIV co-infection, including 23 (24%) new HIV diagnoses and 73 (76%) previous diagnoses. Among those with known HIV prior to TB, the median time of known HIV was 6 years, and only 10 (14%) were on ART at the time of TB diagnosis. The median CD4 at TB diagnosis was 87 cells/uL. Seventy-four (81%) patients received ART during treatment for TB, and 47 (52%) has VS at the end of TB treatment. Only 32% of patients had continuous VS 3 years after completing TB treatment. There were 3 TB recurrences and 3 deaths post–TB treatment; none of these patients had retention or VS after TB treatment. Conclusions Among persons with active TB co-infected with HIV, we found that the majority had known HIV and were not on ART prior to TB diagnosis, and retention in care and VS post–TB treatment were very low. Strengthening the HIV care continuum is needed to improve HIV outcomes and further reduce rates of active TB/HIV co-infection in our and similar settings.

scholarly journals Qualitative Evaluation of Social Media and Mobile Technology Interventions Designed to Improve HIV Health Outcomes for Youth and Young Adults Living With HIV: A HRSA SPNS Initiative

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 693-704
Author(s):  
Ronald A. Brooks ◽  
Omar Nieto ◽  
Dallas Swendeman ◽  
Janet Myers ◽  
Ricardo Mendoza Lepe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
Living With Hiv

Youth and young adults living with HIV (YYALH) are less likely to be engaged in HIV care, adhere to their medications, and achieve viral suppression compared to older adult populations. In the United States, the majority of YYALH belong to racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender minority groups. HIV care interventions are needed that specifically target YYALH and that exploit the use of social media and mobile technology (SMMT) platforms, where youth and young adults have a ubiquitous presence. We conducted a qualitative evaluation of SMMT interventions included in a Health Resources and Services Administration Special Projects of National Significance initiative designed to improve medical care engagement, retention, and medication adherence to achieve viral suppression among YYALH. However, in this study, only young adults living with HIV (YALH) ages 18 to 34 years participated. A total of 48 YALH were interviewed. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and revealed three main themes supporting the usefulness of the SMMT interventions, which included (1) acceptability of SMMT interventions in managing HIV care with subthemes of medical information accessibility, reminders, and self-efficacy; (2) feelings of support and personal connection afforded by SMMT interventions; and (3) SMMT interventions help to alleviate negative feelings about status and mitigate HIV-related stigma. A few participants identified problems with using their respective intervention, primarily related to the functionality of the technologies. Overall, findings from our qualitative evaluation suggest that SMMT-based interventions have the potential to increase engagement and retention in care, support YALH in adhering to medication, and help them adjust to their diagnosis.

scholarly journals The HIV Care Continuum: Changes over Time in Retention in Care and Viral Suppression

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e0129376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baligh R. Yehia ◽  
Alisa J. Stephens-Shields ◽  
John A. Fleishman ◽  
Stephen A. Berry ◽  
Allison L. Agwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Over Time

scholarly journals Characterizing the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care Continuum Among Transgender Women and Cisgender Women and Men in Clinical Care: A Retrospective Time-series Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1131-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonia Poteat ◽  
David B Hanna ◽  
Peter F Rebeiro ◽  
Marina Klein ◽  
Michael J Silverberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Prior studies suggest that transgender women (TW) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are less likely to be virally suppressed than cisgender women (CW) and cisgender men (CM). However, prior data are limited by small sample sizes and cross-sectional designs. We sought to characterize the HIV care continuum comparing TW to CW and CM in the United States and Canada. Methods We analyzed annual HIV care continuum outcomes by gender status from January 2001 through December 2015 among adults (aged ≥18 years) in 15 clinical cohorts. Outcomes were retention in care and viral suppression. Results The study population included TW (n = 396), CW (n = 14 094), and CM (n = 101 667). TW had lower proportions retained in care than CW and CM (P &lt; .01). Estimates of retention in care were consistently lower in TW, with little change over time within each group. TW and CW had similar proportions virally suppressed over time (TW, 36% in 2001 and 80% in 2015; CW, 35% in 2001 and 83% in 2015) and were lower than CM (41% in 2001 and 87% in 2015). These differences did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for age, race, HIV risk group, and cohort. Conclusions TW experience challenges with retention in HIV care. However, TW who are engaged in care achieve viral suppression that is comparable to that of CW and CM of similar age, race, and HIV risk group. Further research is needed to understand care engagement disparities.

scholarly journals HIV Care Continuum among Postpartum Women Living with HIV in Atlanta

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Meade ◽  
Martina Badell ◽  
Stephanie Hackett ◽  
C. Christina Mehta ◽  
Lisa B. Haddad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Care Visit ◽  
Retention In Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Primary Care ◽  
Living With Hiv

Introduction. While increased healthcare engagement and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence occurs during pregnancy, women living with HIV (WLWH) are often lost to follow-up after delivery. We sought to evaluate postpartum retention in care and viral suppression and to identify associated factors among WLWH in a large public hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Methods. Data from the time of entry into prenatal care until 24 months postpartum were collected by chart review from WLWH who delivered with ≥20 weeks gestational age from 2011 to 2016. Primary outcomes were retention in HIV care (two HIV care visits or viral load measurements >90 days apart) and viral suppression (<200 copies/mL) at 12 and 24 months postpartum. Obstetric and contraception data were also collected. Results. Among 207 women, 80% attended an HIV primary care visit in a mean 124 days after delivery. At 12 and 24 months, respectively, 47% and 34% of women were retained in care and 41% and 30% of women were virally suppressed. Attending an HIV care visit within 90 days postpartum was associated with retention in care at 12 months (aOR 3.66, 95%CI 1.72-7.77) and 24 months (aOR 4.71, 95%CI 2.00-11.10) postpartum. Receiving ART at pregnancy diagnosis (aOR 2.29, 95%CI 1.11-4.74), viral suppression at delivery (aOR 3.44, 95%CI 1.39-8.50), and attending an HIV care visit within 90 days postpartum (aOR 2.40, 95%CI 1.12-5.16) were associated with 12-month viral suppression, and older age (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18) was associated with 24-month viral suppression. Conclusions. Long-term retention in HIV care and viral suppression are low in this population of postpartum WLWH. Prompt transition to HIV care in the postpartum period was the strongest predictor of optimal HIV outcomes. Efforts supporting women during the postpartum transition from obstetric to HIV primary care may improve long-term HIV outcomes in women.

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