An interprofessional model of care for adolescents with perinatal HIV: A qualitative study

The number of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA) is increasing however many health care systems are not prepared for this population and their health challenges, specifically a model of care (MoC) is lacking. Thus the objective of this study was to develop and propose a MoC for PHIVA.

Through a qualitative study design, a MoC was developed and ratified with two focus groups, consisting of PHIVA and healthcare professionals.

Seven participants were included in each focus group and the following themes were developed: relatable attributes; missing components; implementation and suggestions. Changes were made to the drafts of the MoC in response to the focus group results, leading to the finalisation of a MoC for PHIVA. The MoC focused on the importance of interprofessional health care and addressed the physical sequelae that PHIVA are likely to encounter. A schematic of the MoC was created for the use in general public education.

It is important that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle the specific needs of PHIVA. The interprofessional MoC developed in this study helps to address the requirements of this population.