Public Health Detailing to Increase Routine HIV Screening in Baltimore, Maryland: Satisfaction, Feasibility, and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Health Services Research

Background:

• High HIV transmission rates in specific Baltimore City census tracts necessitate targeted public health interventions.
• Primary care providers play a crucial role in routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening for individuals aged 13-64.
• Public health detailing is a strategy to influence clinical practice and disseminate public health messages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the satisfaction, feasibility, and effectiveness of a public health detailing project aimed at increasing HIV screening.
• To evaluate the impact of detailing on primary care providers in high HIV transmission areas of Baltimore City.

Main Methods:

• Public health professionals (detailers) visited 85 primary care sites in 2014.
• Detailers provided HIV Testing Action Kits with educational materials and resources to 166 providers and office managers.
• Follow-up assessments evaluated provider satisfaction, kit acceptance, and changes in HIV screening practices.

Main Results:

• High satisfaction reported: 96.7% of providers and 97.4% of clinic managers were satisfied.
• High acceptance of resources: 96.2% of eligible sites accepted at least one HIV Testing Action Kit.
• Increased screening: 74.4% of providers reported an increase in HIV screening rates.

Conclusions:

• Public health detailing is a viable and effective method for enhancing HIV screening in primary care settings.
• This approach facilitates provider education, strengthens local health department partnerships, and disseminates vital public health information.
• The project demonstrated successful implementation and positive outcomes in a targeted high-risk urban environment.