Evaluating the Implementation of Home-Based Sexual Health Care Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Limburg4zero

Home-based sexual health care (including self-sampling testing) could reduce barriers to clinic-based testing. This study systematically evaluated the implementation of home-based sexual health care ('Limburg4Zero') among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a mixed urban-rural region of the Netherlands. We systematically assessed implementation outcomes (contextual domains, population reached, effectiveness, adoption by health care providers (HCP), implementation fidelity, and maintenance) using the practical, robust implementation and sustainability model. We used a mixed-methods research design that combined survey and in-depth interview data from our priority population (MSM) and implementers with insights from our community advisory board and field notes from monthly meetings with the implementers. Of 1076 requested tests, 906 MSM received a (self-sampling STI/HIV) test kit and sexual health information. Most participants (median age 31) had a university or college degree and had a Western ethnicity. The return rate for laboratory testing was 67%. Home-based care participants more often never tested HIV before (39%) compared to STI clinic attendees (28%). Adoption by HCP was highly acceptable, although perceived pragmatic and technical challenges were experienced. Key elements of the home-based care service were implemented as designed, with co-created adjustments for optimization during the implementation. Maintaining the innovation in the long term was desirable, although future recommendations for efficient continuation should be considered. Implementation of home-based sexual health care has demonstrably increased care accessibility for MSM who had never previously been tested. Therefore, a systematic approach is crucial to foster the impact of home-based sexual health care.