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Provider Perspectives on Rapid Treatment Initiation Among People Newly Diagnosed With HIV: A New Message of “Urgency”?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy improves human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes. However, achieving earlier treatment initiation is challenging for many reasons including provider awareness and clinic barriers; this study sought to understand perceptions of an early initiation program. METHODS: We interviewed 10 providers from 3 HIV clinics in North Carolina (October-November 2020). We asked providers about overall perceptions of early initiation and the pilot program. We developed narrative summaries to understand individual contexts and conducted thematic analysis using NVivo. RESULTS: Providers believed earlier initiation would signal an "extra sense of urgency" about the importance of antiretroviral therapy-a message not currently reflected in standard of care. Safety was a consistent concern. Cited implementation barriers included transportation assistance, medication sustainability, and guidance to address increased staff time and appointment availability. CONCLUSION: Our qualitative findings highlight the need for training on the safety of early initiation and addressing staffing needs to accommodate quicker appointments.

Source: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC)

DOI: 10.1177/23259582241269919