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Davis A, Rosenthal SL, Tucker JD, Balabekova O, Nyblade L, Sun Y, Gryazev D, Lunze K, Landers SE, Tang W, Kuskulov A, Gulyayev V, Terlikbayeva A, Primbetova S, Mergenova G. A citizen science approach to develop a digital intervention to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV self-testing among adolescents and young adults: a mixed methods analysis from Kazakhstan. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27 Suppl 3:e26314. [PMID: 39030847 PMCID: PMC11258447 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kazakhstan has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world, with increasing rates among adolescents and young adults (AYA). Innovative strategies are needed to increase HIV testing uptake and decrease HIV stigma among AYA. Citizen science, defined as the active engagement of the general public in scientific research tasks, promotes and facilitates community engagement throughout the research process. This citizen science study used crowdsourcing to engage AYA in Kazakhstan to develop a digital intervention to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV self-testing. Our objectives in this paper are to describe the approach used, its feasibility and acceptability, and AYA motivations for and lessons learned collaborating on the study. METHODS From October 2021 to July 2022, in collaboration with a Community Collaborative Research Board and a Youth Advisory Board, we developed an open call requesting multimedia submissions to reduce HIV testing stigma. Eligible submissions were separated by age group (13-19 or 20-29 years) and judged by a panel composed of AYA (n = 23), healthcare professionals (n = 12), and representatives from the local government and non-governmental organizations (n = 17). Each entry was reviewed by at least four judges and ranked on a 5-point scale. The top 20 open call contestants were asked to submit self-recordings sharing their motivation for and experience participating in the contest and lessons learned. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative data. Qualitative data were coded using open coding. RESULTS We received 96 submissions from 77 youth across Kazakhstan. Roughly, three-quarters (n = 75/96) of entries met judging eligibility criteria. Of the eligible entries, over half (n = 39/75) scored 3.5 or higher on a 5-point scale (70.0%). The most frequent types of entries were video (n = 36/96, 37.5%), image (n = 28/96, 29.2%) and text (n = 24/96, 25.0%). AYA's primary motivations for collaborating on the study included a desire to improve society and help youth. The main challenges included creating content to address complex information using simple language, finding reliable information online and technological limitations. CONCLUSIONS Crowdsourcing was feasible and highly acceptable among AYA in Kazakhstan. Citizen science approaches hold great promise for addressing the increasingly complex health and social challenges facing communities today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Davis
- School of Social WorkColumbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Susan L. Rosenthal
- Department of PediatricsColumbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of North Carolina‐Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Olga Balabekova
- Global Health Research Center of Central AsiaAlmatyKazakhstan
| | - Laura Nyblade
- Research Triangle InstituteResearch Triangle ParkChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Yihang Sun
- School of Social WorkColumbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Denis Gryazev
- Global Health Research Center of Central AsiaAlmatyKazakhstan
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineBoston Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Chobanian and Avedisian School of MedicineBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sara E. Landers
- School of Social WorkColumbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of North Carolina‐Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Azamat Kuskulov
- School of Social WorkColumbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Valera Gulyayev
- Global Health Research Center of Central AsiaAlmatyKazakhstan
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Mhando F, Olughu K, Nyankomo M, Ngocho JS, Teri I, Mbita G, Conserve DF. Men's Willingness to Receive Text Messages and Talk with an HIV counselor from the National HIV Hotline in Tanzania for Support with Linkage to Care Following HIV self-testing. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.01.24308312. [PMID: 38883795 PMCID: PMC11177922 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.01.24308312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Tanzania faces a significant burden of HIV, with particular challenges in reaching men and ensuring timely linkage to care. To address these issues, HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been implemented to increase HIV testing and the National HIV Hotlines are being considered as a strategy to facilitate linkage to care. This study aimed to assess the willingness of Tanzanian men to receive support from use the National HIV Hotline via mobile phones for HIVST and linkage to care. Methods Data from 505 men from the baseline survey of a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in June 2019 with 18 social networks or "camps" in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were 18-year-old or older male camp members who were HIV-negative at the time of enrolment. Logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with men's comfort with talking with an HIV counselor over the phone. Results There were 505 heterosexual male participants enrolled in the study with an average age of 29 years. Logistic regression demonstrated that comfortability texting a friend about HIV self-testing (OR =3.37, 95% CI [1.97 - 5.76], being comfortable texting a friend about HIV (OR = 3.84, 95% CI [2.20 - 6.72], previous history of receiving HIV related text messages (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.31 - 0.99] were significantly associated with men's s comfortability talking to a HIV counselor on the National HIV Hotline following HIVST. The factors such as participants' comfortability texting friend about HIVST (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.49 - 4.25]) and comfortability texting friend about HIV (OR = 2.96, 95% CI [1.83 - 4.80] were significantly associated with the probability of participant's comfortability receiving text message from HIV counselor following HIVST. Conclusion These findings suggest an effort to develop and implement a user-friendly digital health intervention that promote comfortability, address private concerns, and deliver tailored support and information to individuals following HIV self-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Mhando
- Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
- Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kelia Olughu
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marwa Nyankomo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - James S. Ngocho
- Department of Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi Tanzania
| | - Ivan Teri
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - BRIDGE Africa Team
- Building Research Implementation to Drive Growth and Equity (BRIDGE) Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Lee JJ, Li Verdugo J, Xiao AY, Vo K. Digital Interventions to Enhance PrEP Uptake and Adherence Through Stigma Reduction. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:458-469. [PMID: 38057685 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for reducing risk of HIV transmission, stigma persists as a barrier to HIV prevention. Digital technologies present opportunities to access hard-to-reach populations and increase the efficiency of established interventions. This review examines current digital interventions addressing stigma to improve PrEP-related outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Digital technologies are increasingly used for HIV prevention and include a wide range of formats. Recent interventions focused on stigma and PrEP tend to engage mobile phone-related technology and focus on younger populations with particular attention to men who have sex with men and transgender women. Digital interventions that address stigma are promising for improving PrEP-related outcomes. No single technology currently demonstrates consistent superiority. Limited access to PrEP and heightened stigma in under-resourced countries present challenges for interventions supporting diverse communities. Further research should examine how digital interventions can reduce stigma beyond the individual level to enhance PrEP use and explore opportunities to improve and integrate approaches to stigma measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane J Lee
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, 4101 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Juliann Li Verdugo
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, 4101 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | | | - Katie Vo
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Garett R, Young SD. Potential application of conversational agents in HIV testing uptake among high-risk populations. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:189-192. [PMID: 35211740 PMCID: PMC9383533 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a significant public health problem, with ~1.2 million Americans living with HIV and ~14% unaware of their infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that patients 13 to 64 years of age get screened for HIV at least once, and those with higher risk profiles screen at least annually. Unfortunately, screening rates are below recommendations for high-risk populations, leading to problems of delayed diagnosis. Novel technologies have been applied in HIV research to increase prevention, testing and treatment. Conversational agents, with potential for integrating artificial intelligence and natural language processing, may offer an opportunity to improve outreach to these high-risk populations. The feasibility, accessibility and acceptance of using conversational agents for HIV testing outreach is important to evaluate, especially amidst a global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic when clinical services have been drastically affected. This viewpoint explores the application of a conversational agent in increasing HIV testing among high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean D Young
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
- Institute for Prediction Technology, Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
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Grimsrud A, Wilkinson L, Ehrenkranz P, Behel S, Chidarikire T, Chisenga T, Golin R, Johnson CC, Milanga M, Onyekwena O, Sundaram M, Wong V, Baggaley R. The future of HIV testing in eastern and southern Africa: Broader scope, targeted services. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004182. [PMID: 36917570 PMCID: PMC10013883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Policy Forum, Anna Grimsrud and colleagues discuss the future of HIV testing in eastern and southern Africa, using insights gleaned from a 2021 expert consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grimsrud
- IAS–International AIDS Society, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Lynne Wilkinson
- IAS–International AIDS Society, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Behel
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Thato Chidarikire
- South Africa National Department of Health, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | | | - Rachel Golin
- Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington DC, United States of America
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Maaya Sundaram
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Vincent Wong
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington DC, United States of America
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Hassani M, Young SD. Potential Role of Conversational Agents in Encouraging PrEP Uptake. J Behav Health Serv Res 2022:10.1007/s11414-022-09798-0. [PMID: 35513743 PMCID: PMC9071246 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-022-09798-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV, with many of them unaware of their infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available to minimize transmission among those at high risk for infection, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and female sex workers. Despite its availability, there is low usage of PrEP. To address this problem, various digital tools have been examined in HIV research. Among those, conversational agents are still underused and their capacity warrants examination to reach at-risk populations. In this paper, we discuss the potential of conversational agents in increasing uptake of PrEP by addressing barriers experienced among those at high risk for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hassani
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, 6091 Bren Hall, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
| | - Sean D Young
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, 6091 Bren Hall, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine, 333 City Boulevard West, Suite 640, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
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Cunningham EB, Wheeler A, Hajarizadeh B, French CE, Roche R, Marshall AD, Fontaine G, Conway A, Valencia BM, Bajis S, Presseau J, Ward JW, Degenhardt L, Dore GJ, Hickman M, Vickerman P, Grebely J. Interventions to enhance testing, linkage to care, and treatment initiation for hepatitis C virus infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:426-445. [PMID: 35303490 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the goal set by WHO to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat, uptake of HCV testing and treatment remains low. To achieve this target, evidence-based interventions are needed to address the barriers to care for people with, or at risk of, HCV infection. We aimed to assess the efficacy of interventions to improve HCV antibody testing, HCV RNA testing, linkage to HCV care, and treatment initiation. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO without language restrictions for reports published between database inception and July 21, 2020, assessing the following primary outcomes: HCV antibody testing; HCV RNA testing; linkage to HCV care; and direct-acting antiviral treatment initiation. We also searched key conference abstracts. We included randomised and non-randomised studies assessing non-pharmaceutical interventions that included a comparator or control group. Studies were excluded if they enrolled only paediatric populations (aged <18 years) or if they conducted the intervention in a different health-care setting to that of the control or comparator. Authors were contacted to clarify study details and to obtain additional population-level data. Data were extracted from the records identified into a pre-piloted and standardised data extraction form and a random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the effects of the interventions on study outcomes. This study is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42020178035. FINDINGS Of 15 342 unique records identified, 142 were included, which reported on 148 unique studies (47 randomised controlled trials and 101 non-randomised studies). Medical chart reminders, provider education, and point-of-care antibody testing significantly improved at least three study outcomes compared with a comparator or control. Interventions that simplified HCV testing, including dried blood spot testing, point-of-care antibody testing, reflex RNA testing, and opt-out screening, significantly improved testing outcomes compared with a comparator or control. Enhanced patient and provider support through patient education, provider care coordination, and provider education also significantly improved testing outcomes compared with a comparator or control. Integrated care and patient navigation or care coordination significantly improved linkage to care and the uptake of direct-acting antiviral treatment compared with a comparator or control. INTERPRETATION Several interventions to improve HCV care that address several key barriers to HCV care were identified. New models of HCV care must be designed and implemented to address the barriers faced by the population of interest. Further high-quality research, including rigorously designed randomised studies, is still needed in key populations. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Wheeler
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Clare E French
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Roche
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England Colindale, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL, National Institute for Health Research, London, UK
| | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guillaume Fontaine
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Presseau
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hong C, Abrams LS, Holloway IW. Technology-Based Interventions to Promote the HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care Continuum: Protocol for a Systematic Review. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e33045. [PMID: 35258470 PMCID: PMC8941443 DOI: 10.2196/33045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising biomedical intervention for HIV prevention. Researchers have proposed the PrEP care continuum to guide and evaluate PrEP implementation programs. Technology-based interventions (TBIs) have been widely used in HIV prevention and treatment programs, including for the promotion of the PrEP care continuum. The rapid development of new interventions using technology and electronic health methods emphasizes the need for a review of the effectiveness of these TBIs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the effectiveness and acceptability of TBIs used to promote the HIV PrEP care continuum. METHODS We will conduct a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Only intervention studies (ie, studies meeting the criteria of randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies) evaluating the effectiveness of TBIs will be included. We will search the National Institutes of Health Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (NIH RePORT) for interventions involving PrEP. At least 2 reviewers will independently screen and select the studies, extract the data, and evaluate the quality of the studies, and discrepancies will be resolved by a senior author. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the included studies and present details about the study populations, interventions, and PrEP-related outcomes of significance. RESULTS The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021249562). As of August 2021, we have completed the initial search and identified 1213 records. Study screening and data extracting are in progress. We expect the results to be ready by summer 2022. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review will summarize successful experiences and lessons learned from the existing literature and therefore inform the design and implementation of intervention studies for PrEP care promotion. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021249562; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=249562. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/33045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Hong
- Department of Social Welfare, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Gay Sexuality and Social Policy Initiative, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laura S Abrams
- Department of Social Welfare, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ian W Holloway
- Department of Social Welfare, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Gay Sexuality and Social Policy Initiative, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Zucker J, Purpura L, Sani F, Huang S, Schluger A, Ruperto K, Slowkowski J, Olender S, Scherer M, Castor D, Gordon P. Individualized Provider Feedback Increased HIV and HCV Screening and Identification in a New York City Emergency Department. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:106-114. [PMID: 35289689 PMCID: PMC8971984 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to end the HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemics begin with ascertainment of a person's infection status through screening. Despite its importance as a site of testing, missed opportunities for screening in the Emergency Department (ED) are common. We describe the impact of implementing an individualized provider feedback intervention on HIV and HCV testing in a quaternary ED. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to evaluate the impact of the intervention on weekly HIV and HCV screening in an observational cohort of patients seeking care in the ED. The intervention included a physician champion individualized feedback with peer comparisons to all providers in the ED and an existing HIV/HCV testing and response team. Data were abstracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) for 30 weeks before, during, and after implementing the intervention. We used Poisson regression analysis to estimate changes in the weekly counts and rates of HIV and HCV testing. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of HIV testing were 1.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.85-2.04] and 1.38 (95% CI 1.31-1.45) times higher for the intervention and post-intervention period compared with the pre-intervention period. The IRRs of HCV testing was 6.96 (95% CI 6.40-7.58) and 4.70 (95% CI 4.31-5.13) for the intervention and post-intervention periods. There were no meaningful differences in demographic characteristics during the observation period. The intervention meaningfully increased HIV and HCV testing volume and positive case detection, including testing in high-risk groups like young adults and individuals without prior testing. Although diminished, the intervention effect sustained in the 30-week period following implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.,Address correspondence to: Jason Zucker, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, 622 West 168th Street 8th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lawrence Purpura
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.,ICAP, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fereshteh Sani
- Acute Care Services, Attending Physician, Emergency Medicine, Permanente Medicine, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Simian Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aaron Schluger
- Department of Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth Ruperto
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jacek Slowkowski
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan Olender
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matt Scherer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Delivette Castor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter Gordon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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