"We're Going to Be Here": Providers' Perspectives on Implementing a Revised HIV Care Coordination Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• Persistent disparities in HIV viral suppression and care engagement exist despite improved outcomes.
• Socioeconomic factors, mental health, racism, and stigma exacerbate these disparities.
• HIV care coordination programs (CCPs) aim to address barriers but require adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine provider-identified barriers and facilitators to implementing a redesigned HIV Care Coordination Program (CCP) in New York City.
• To understand how to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of CCPs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with providers from six agencies delivering the revised CCP.
• Focused on implementation challenges and successes of the redesigned program.

Main Results:

• Providers found the revised CCP's flexible, client-centered approach effective for engagement.
• Key barriers included increased paperwork, unrealistic expectations, understaffing, and provider burnout.
• Dedicated staff were identified as a crucial facilitator.

Conclusions:

• Retaining a client-centered model is valuable for HIV care coordination.
• Streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing provider support, and increasing staff ratios are recommended.
• Adapting interventions based on provider feedback improves implementation and sustainability.