Improving Linkage to HIV Care Through Mobile Phone Apps: Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Mobile health (mHealth) applications
• HIV/AIDS care and management

Background:

• Gaps in the HIV care cascade present challenges in patient retention.
• Mobile phone access is growing, offering potential for improved patient engagement.
• mHealth interventions are being explored to address gaps in HIV care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess a mobile app's ability to deliver HIV laboratory results to patients.
• To understand the implementation process of an mHealth intervention for HIV care.
• To evaluate the app's effectiveness in linking diagnosed patients to HIV care.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Johannesburg primary health facilities.
• Newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients with compatible smartphones were recruited.
• Participants were followed for at least eight months to assess linkage to care.

Main Results:

• Android was selected as the optimal operating system for the app due to market share and functionality.
• The app successfully transmitted laboratory results to patient smartphones.
• Only 10% of screened patients enrolled due to eligibility and app requirements.

Conclusions:

• Implementation challenges included patient eligibility, app compatibility, and patient identification.
• Future mHealth interventions can benefit from lessons learned regarding software development and piloting.
• Despite enrollment challenges, patient interest and successful app installation suggest potential for future engagement.