Suboptimal Patient-Provider Communication About Undetectable = Untransmittable and HIV Transmission Risk in Australia...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Social Science Research

Background:

• The Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) campaign promotes awareness that HIV is not sexually transmissible when viral load is undetectable.
• Healthcare providers play a crucial role in communicating the U=U message to patients.
• Effective patient-provider communication is vital for HIV prevention and treatment adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient-provider communication dynamics regarding U=U and HIV transmission risk.
• To understand the perspectives of gay, bisexual, and other men living with HIV (MLHIV) and healthcare providers in Australia and the US.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to effective U=U message dissemination.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with key informants (20 MLHIV and 20 healthcare providers) in Australia and the US.
• Recruited participants through HIV community-based and professional organizations.
• Analyzed interview data thematically to identify patterns in communication and perspectives.

Main Results:

• MLHIV prefer clear, direct language from providers to explain U=U.
• A significant number of US MLHIV reported absent, ambiguous, or inaccurate U=U explanations from providers.
• Some providers expressed skepticism about U=U and concerns regarding patient adherence and low-level viremia.

Conclusions:

• Patient-provider communication about U=U requires improvement, particularly in the US.
• Healthcare providers may benefit from targeted training, developed collaboratively with people living with HIV, to enhance U=U messaging.
• Addressing provider reservations about U=U and viremia is essential for successful implementation of U=U awareness.