RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Provider perspectives on rapid treatment initiation among people newly diagnosed with HIV
A new message of "urgency"?
Uhrig Castonguay, B. J., Mancuso, N., Hatcher, S., Watson, S., Okumu, E., Abbott, R., Golin, C. E., Mobley, V., Samoff, E., Swygard, H., McNeil, C. J., & Gay, C. L. (2024). Provider perspectives on rapid treatment initiation among people newly diagnosed with HIV: A new message of "urgency"?Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 23, Article 23259582241269919. https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582241269919
BACKGROUND: Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy improves human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes. However, achieving earlier treatment initiation is challenging for many reasons including provider awareness and clinic barriers; this study sought to understand perceptions of an early initiation program.
METHODS: We interviewed 10 providers from 3 HIV clinics in North Carolina (October-November 2020). We asked providers about overall perceptions of early initiation and the pilot program. We developed narrative summaries to understand individual contexts and conducted thematic analysis using NVivo.
RESULTS: Providers believed earlier initiation would signal an "extra sense of urgency" about the importance of antiretroviral therapy-a message not currently reflected in standard of care. Safety was a consistent concern. Cited implementation barriers included transportation assistance, medication sustainability, and guidance to address increased staff time and appointment availability.
CONCLUSION: Our qualitative findings highlight the need for training on the safety of early initiation and addressing staffing needs to accommodate quicker appointments.
RTI shares its evidence-based research - through peer-reviewed publications and media - to ensure that it is accessible for others to build on, in line with our mission and scientific standards.