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.
Search Results
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10
OPT-In For Life is a social media-based intervention that promotes advancement along the HIV care continuum for young adults (ages 18 to 34) with HIV. During the 18-month intervention, OPT-In For Life used multiple social media platforms and a mobile application to provide HIV-related and positive lifestyle resources. Young adults enrolled in OPT-in For Life demonstrated improved retention in HIV care and higher rates of viral suppression after participation.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
Young adults ages 25 to 34; Youth ages 13 to 24
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Use of technology and mobile health
PA
The YGetIt? Program engaged youth and young adults with HIV in care through three components: a health management mobile application (GET!), Peer Engagement Educator Professionals (PEEPs), and a graphic serial (Tested). Tested received over 200,000 views, and viral suppression rates among YGetIt? participants increased from 79% to 86% over the course of the program.
Emerging Intervention
Youth ages 13 to 24; Young adults ages 25 to 34
Viral suppression
Use of technology and mobile health
Long Island , NY
The Village Project is an intensive case management-based intervention that harnesses peer navigation and integrated behavioral health services to improve the health outcomes of young Black gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men. The Village Project was associated with increased retention in care and viral suppression.
Emerging Intervention
Black gay and bisexual men; Youth ages 13 to 24; Young adults ages 25 to 34; Black/African American people
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Support service delivery model; Clinical service delivery model
Dallas, TX
The Adolescent Quality Learning Network (AQLN) identified barriers to sexual health care in four areas: sexual health assessment; receipt of sexual health counseling; three-site STI testing; and receipt of STI treatment. The AQLN then tested approaches to address the identified barriers including opt-out testing, self-rectal swabs, and creating a sex positive environment in the clinic. After one year, the AQLN found improvements in the percentage of clients assessed for sexual health risks, as well as improvements in testing and treatment of STIs.
Emerging Intervention
Youth ages 13 to 24
Beyond the care continuum
Clinical service delivery model; Quality improvement
NY
The Positive Peers app motivates youth and young adults with HIV to stay engaged in HIV care through self-management tools and virtual support. Although specific outcomes vary by age group, individuals who used the app were more likely to attend their medical appointments, receive labs, and reach viral suppression.
Emerging Intervention
Youth ages 13 to 24; Young adults ages 25 to 34
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Use of technology and mobile health
Cleveland , OH
In weCare, a cyber health educator sent personalized messages through text, web-based apps, and Facebook to enrolled youth who identified as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (MSM), or transgender women, and who either had a new diagnosis of HIV or were not in care at the time of enrollment. Messages were personalized to each participant’s needs and were designed to support them as they navigated complicated health care systems as well as other challenges that affect care engagement (e.g., transportation, disclosure). The cyber health educator also moderated and posted information about health and well-being on an optional secret Facebook page that some participants chose to join. Participants were less likely to miss medical appointments and more likely to be virally suppressed after 12 months of the intervention.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
Youth ages 13 to 24; Young adults ages 25 to 34; Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); Transgender women
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Use of technology and mobile health
Winston-Salem and Greensboro, NC
The PC4H initiative employs a mobile app and a digital literacy workshop to improve engagement, retention in care, and medication adherence for young people with HIV. These strategies aim to reach young people who are disproportionately affected by HIV, including young men who have sex with men, young transgender women, and youth of color, with a focus on serving people who know their status but are inconsistently engaged in care. Developed by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Philadelphia FIGHT, PC4H was evaluated through the RWHAP Part F SPNS Social Media Initiative. The evaluation found that PC4H had positive impacts on retention in care and viral suppression.
Emerging Intervention
Black/African American people; Youth ages 13 to 24; Young adults ages 25 to 34; Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); Transgender men
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression; Beyond the care continuum
Use of technology and mobile health
Philadelphia, PA
E-VOLUTION is a two-way text messaging intervention, originally developed by Washington University School of Medicine and piloted at Project ARK. The intervention focuses on improving health outcomes for youth, particularly young Black men who have sex with men. E-VOLUTION was designed for people ages 18-29 who have HIV and are receiving clinical care but require support to remain adherent. E-VOLUTION was evaluated and found to improve viral suppression and retention in care rates.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
Youth ages 13 to 24; Young adults ages 25 to 34; Black gay and bisexual men
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Use of technology and mobile health
St. Louis, MO
Project ACCEPT is designed to improve engagement and retention in medical care for youth ages 16 to 24 years with newly diagnosed HIV. The educational and skill-building intervention was deployed at four demonstration sites and increased rates of medication use and appointment adherence in comparison to a control group. Although originally developed for cisgender youth, Project ACCEPT may be adapted for gender-diverse people.
Evidence-Based Intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV; Youth ages 13 to 24
Retention in HIV medical care
Support service delivery model
Chicago, IL
Detroit, MI
Memphis, TN
Miami, FL
University Health uses peers and patient navigators to provide support, reduce barriers, and improve linkage and retention to care for women and youth with HIV. Two peers with lived experience were hired as Outreach Specialists to spearhead the program, encourage medication adherence and use of services, and provide mentoring. The intervention was successful in moderately improving the numbers of clients linked to care, retained in care, and virally suppressed.
Emerging Intervention
Youth ages 13 to 24; Women
Linkage to HIV medical care; Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Outreach and reengagement activities
San Antonio, TX