Evaluation of the integration of telehealth into the same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation service in Bangkok, Thailand in response to COVID-19: a mixed-method analysis of real-world data.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Same-day antiretroviral therapy (SDART) initiation has been implemented at the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic (TRCAC) in Bangkok, Thailand, since 2017. HIV-positive, antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve clients who are willing and clinically eligible start ART on the day of HIV diagnosis. In response to the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in March 2020, telehealth follow-up was established to comply with COVID-19 preventive measures and allow service continuation. Here, we evaluate its implementation.

Methods

Pre-COVID-19 (until February 2020) clients who initiated SDART received a 2-week ART supply and returned to the clinic for evaluation before being referred to long-term ART maintenance facilities. If no adverse events (AEs) occ

SUBMITTER: Amatavete S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8554221 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature