Challenge
In the United States, there are an estimated 1.15 million people living with HIV, and approximately 50,000 new infections each year. Among those aware of their HIV infection, less than half are adequately engaged in HIV care. Understanding the barriers experienced by HIV care providers working to engage and retain their patients is a critical factor in strengthening existing and future HIV prevention, care, and treatment efforts for patients, especially those who are high risk.
Solution
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has engaged Atlas Research and Abt Associates in a qualitative research study intended to increase comprehension of the range of perspectives, motivations, and factors that affect HIV care providers and their ability to provide continuous and coordinated care to people living with HIV. The study relies on a number of qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, document review, and facility observation to explore reported facilitators and barriers among HIV care providers in some of the most impacted geographical regions in the country.
Result
This study will collect qualitative data from thirty (30) HIV care providers who provide services in three metropolitan areas disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; and Baltimore, MD. Engaging providers in confidential semi-structured interviews with a specific focus on engagement, retention, and referrals provides important knowledge on the perceived climate from a provider perspective. Investigating the breadth and scope of documents offers information on the structure and standard operating procedures across facilities. Observing the environment both within and immediately outside each facility can begin to strengthen the understanding of potential effects of the physical environment on a patient’s interaction with the community of HIV care. While small in scope, this study has important implications for the ongoing efforts to improve the HIV continuum of care and supports the role and importance of HIV care providers in effectively reducing the gap in continuous and consistent HIV care.