Structural factors and best practices in implementing a linkage to HIV care program using the ARTAS model

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• HIV/AIDS Research
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Linkage to HIV care programs in the U.S. lacks detailed literature, hindering effective client transition from testing to clinical sites.
• There is a specific need for models that successfully link individuals to HIV care from testing locations without co-located medical services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe structural factors and best practices in successful HIV linkage to care programs.
• To identify key elements that ensure a high percentage of newly diagnosed individuals attend an initial HIV primary care visit within six months.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Antiretroviral Treatment Access Studies-II (ARTAS-II) project.
• Incorporated site visit reports and project director feedback to identify successful program strategies.
• Analyzed program data to assess linkage rates and identify factors associated with success.

Main Results:

• Eight categories of best practices were identified, with examples from five high-performing ARTAS-II sites.
• Successful programs linked an average of 85% of clients to care within six months, compared to 72% in other sites.
• Sites with co-located HIV primary medical care services demonstrated higher linkage rates (87%) than those without (73%).

Conclusions:

• Implementation and evaluation of linkage to care programs are essential to leverage expanded HIV testing efforts.
• Effective linkage programs are critical for maximizing the public health benefits of increased HIV testing across U.S. communities.