Using queueing models as a decision support tool in allocating point-of-care HIV viral load testing machines in Kisumu County, Kenya.

ABSTRACT: Point-of-care (POC) technologies-including HIV viral load (VL) monitoring-are expanding globally, including in resource-limited settings. Modelling could allow decision-makers to consider the optimal strategy(ies) to maximize coverage and access, minimize turnaround time (TAT) and minimize cost with limited machines. Informed by formative qualitative focus group discussions with stakeholders focused on model inputs, outputs and format, we created an optimization model incorporating queueing theory and solved it using integer programming methods to reflect HIV VL monitoring in Kisumu County, Kenya. We modelled three scenarios for sample processing: (1) centralized laboratories only, (2) centralized labs with 7 existing POC 'hub' facilities and (3) centralized labs with 7 existing and 1-7 ne

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10775219 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature