The RWHAP Best Practices Compilation gathers and disseminates interventions that improve outcomes along the HIV care continuum. Explore the Compilation to find inspiration and new ideas for improving the care of people with HIV. Learn more about the Best Practices Compilation and submit your innovation today for possible inclusion.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 39
Southern Nevada Rapid stART improves access to immediate prescription of ART in the region. Led by the Office of HIV within Clark County Social Service, Rapid stART was initially developed and implemented at 28 sites to link clients to a prescribing HIV provider within seven days of their HIV diagnosis, and included a Rapid stART Response Team to support clients through the process. The Rapid stART program has increased linkage to HIV medical care, initiation of ART within seven days, and viral suppression.
Emerging intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV
Linkage to HIV medical care; Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Clinical service delivery model; Data utilization approach; Quality improvement
NV
In 2021, the City of New Orleans employed five CHWs to work with RWHAP Part A-funded agencies on reengaging eligible clients back into care. From February 2021 through April 2022, CHWs attempted to contact 1,215 clients disconnected from care; 207 of these attended a primary care appointment and re-entered care, a 17% success rate at reengaging clients back into care.
Evidence-informed intervention
People with HIV who are not in care
Linkage to HIV medical care
Outreach and reengagement activities
New Orleans , LA
The Rapid ART Start Protocol focuses on helping veterans with a new HIV diagnosis access ART and comprehensive treatment as soon as possible. A retrospective cohort study showed positive outcomes, including decreases in the time to first appointment, the time to ART initiation, and the time to reach viral suppression. In addition, patients receiving the intervention were more likely to reach viral suppression compared to patients seen pre-intervention at the same clinic.
Evidence-informed intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV
Linkage to HIV medical care; Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Clinical service delivery model
Atlanta, GA
Through the Test & Treat Rapid Access (TTRA) Program, clients with a new HIV diagnosis in Miami-Dade County can access ART, receive other services and counseling, start enrolling in RWHAP, and connect to HIV primary care during the initial visit. At Borinquen Health Care Center, one of the clinical sites participating in TTRA, 76% of clients were virally suppressed within three months of receiving a rapid ART start, and 95% were retained in care for 12 months.
Evidence-informed intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV; People with HIV who are not in care
HIV diagnosis; Linkage to HIV medical care; Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Clinical service delivery model
Miami-Dade County, FL
Through the Practice Transformation Project, the Native American Community Clinic and Midwest AIDS Education and Training Center developed strategies to increase testing and linkage to care within the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and for those who inject drugs and are experiencing homelessness. These ongoing efforts have increased HIV testing rates by 10 percentage points through harm reduction, community outreach, and culturally sensitive strategies.
Emerging intervention
American Indian/Alaska Native people; People who inject drugs (PWID); People who are unstably housed
HIV diagnosis; Linkage to HIV medical care
Clinical service delivery model
Minneapolis, MN
CoRECT was a data to care project to identify and reengage people with HIV who were newly out of care. It included a clinic and health department data reconciliation process to identify missed laboratory results or appointments and create the out-of-care list, case discussions via telephone to review the combined list, and field epidemiologist outreach to assist clients with making appointments, securing transportation, and arranging referrals. The intervention employed strengths-based case management techniques and motivational interviewing to contact identified people within 30 days, reengage them in care, and reduce time to viral suppression.
Evidence-based intervention
People with HIV who are not in care
Linkage to HIV medical care; Retention in HIV medical care
Outreach and reengagement activities; Data utilization approach
MA
CT
Philadelphia, PA
Rapid ART Program Initiative for New Diagnoses (RAPID) was designed to connect people with a new HIV diagnosis to ART within five days of diagnosis and within one day of their initial care visit. Linkage navigators counseled people on HIV care, identified an available clinician capable of immediately prescribing ART, scheduled the clinical appointment, and connected people to additional support services. RAPID led to a reduction in median time between initial diagnosis and both ART initiation and viral suppression.
Evidence-based intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV
Linkage to HIV medical care; Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Clinical service delivery model
San Francisco, CA
The goals of the Emergency Department and Hospital-Based Data Exchange for Real-Time Data to Care (ED Alert) intervention are to reengage people with HIV in care and to improve viral suppression rates. This is achieved using a real-time data exchange system that connects clients presenting to the emergency department with health department linkage specialists. ED Alert increased viral load testing and viral suppression over six months following a provider visit in the post-intervention period.
Evidence-informed intervention
People with HIV who are not in care
Linkage to HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Clinical service delivery model; Data utilization approach
Seattle, WA
Kern County Rapid ART links people with a new diagnosis of HIV to ART. The Kern County Health Officer’s Clinic identifies people with a new diagnosis of HIV through onsite testing, surveillance data, and referrals from local hospital emergency departments. Kern County Rapid ART provides support services and refers clients to other community clinics for ongoing care. A study of clients with a new diagnosis of HIV in 2021 found that on average, Kern County Rapid ART clients were linked to care and provided ART within two days of diagnosis.
Evidence-informed intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV; People with HIV who are not in care
Linkage to HIV medical care; Prescription of antiretroviral therapy
Clinical service delivery model
Bakersfield, CA
The Alexis Project used social network recruiting and engagement, peer navigation, and contingency management to reach and engage transgender women of color with HIV who were not engaged in HIV care. Participation in the 18-month intervention improved linkage to care and viral suppression.
Emerging intervention
Transgender women; Women of color; Women
Linkage to HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Support service delivery model; Outreach and reengagement activities
Los Angeles, CA
