Essential elements of and challenges to rapid ART implementation: a qualitative study of three programs in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on the day of an HIV diagnosis or as soon as possible after diagnosis, known as rapid ART (henceforth "RAPID"), is considered to be a safe and effective intervention to quickly reduce viral load and potentially improve engagement in care over time. However, implementation of RAPID programming is not yet widespread. To facilitate broader dissemination of RAPID, we sought to understand health care worker experiences with RAPID implementation and to identify essential programmatic elements.

Methods

We conducted 27 key informant interviews with medical providers and staff involved in RAPID service delivery in three distinct clinical settings: an HIV clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center and a sexual health and wellness cli

SUBMITTER: Koester KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8968260 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature