Improved simplified clinical algorithm for identifying patients eligible for immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV (SLATE II): protocol for a randomized evaluation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The World Health Organization recommends rapid (≤ 7 days) or same-day initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV-positive patients. South Africa adopted this recommendation in 2017, but multiple clinic visits, long waiting times, and delays for laboratory tests remain common. Streamlined approaches to same-day initiation that allow the majority of patients to start ART immediately, while ensuring that patients who do require additional services receive them, are needed to achieve national and international treatment program goals.

Methods/design

The SLATE II (Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility) study is an individually randomized evaluation of a clinical algorithm to reliably determine a patient's eligibility for immediate ART initiation with

SUBMITTER: Rosen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6180640 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature