R.E.S.T.A.R.T. (Re-assess Efforts in Surveillance, Training, & Approach to Re-engage & Treat) in HIV Rural Care
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) in rural areas often have lower rates of medical retention and successful treatment outcomes due to limited access to medical services. This presentation seeks to demonstrate the innovative strategies within HIV surveillance, staff training, and communication approach to re-engage PLWH in the Mid-Cumberland Region of Tennessee that overcome barriers regarding health care management.
Proposal Summary
Background: Tennessee is one of eight states awarded funding by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement a CAPUS (Care and Prevention in the United States) demonstration project, a project which seeks to eliminate health disparities and health inequities by improving strategies that improve access and quality of HIV health services. Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) utilized HIV surveillance data to equip Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) to identify and locate known persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the Mid-Cumberland Region (MCR) of TN, who have been out of care (OOC) for > 1 year and facilitate their re-engagement into HIV care. Methods: TDH acquired HIV surveillance from TN’s enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS) to generate reports listing PLWH in MCR who are OOC for > 1 year. CAPUS DIS was oriented and trained within evidence-based interventions regarding HIV case management in order to design customized approach to re-engage individuals living in rural areas. DIS provided assistance and resource referrals to OOC individuals seeking re-engagement into medical care and/or social services. Results: From October 2013 to April 2014, 427 PLWH were identified within eHARS to be presumed-OOC. However, through DIS’ efforts to increase CAPUS awareness within MCR, medical providers sought collaboration with CAPUS, providing 26 additional names of OOC individuals for CAPUS re-engagement services. Of the 453 presumed-OOC, were 50 individuals were verified to be OOC and in need of CAPUS re-engagement services. Of the remaining 50, 26 (52%) were linked to medical care via CAPUS efforts. The most utilized resources among OOC individuals were transportation, assistance in applying for health insurance, and appointment reminders. Lessons Learned: Access and utilization of HIV surveillance and locating data systems helped DIS to enhance investigation efforts, especially regarding the verification OOC status and locating information of clients. Skill sets training in various evidence-based interventions aided DIS to ascertain an approach that is unique and effective in re-engaging rural OOC residents into medical care and social services. DIS advocacy of CAPUS established active partnerships with local health departments and HIV providers which contribute to better coordination of care for OOC population.
Relevance And Significance
This presentation provides interesting insight of how to create innovative strategies and tools for intervention regarding HIV case management in rural communities, while assessing barriers to medical access and favorable treatment outcomes. Also, this presentation displays the social determinants of health which hinder PLWH in rural communities, and how HIV case managers can develop more strategies to combat those negative factors.
Session Format
Presentation Session
Keywords
HIV, engagement in care, case management, surveillance
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Calvin, Veronica and White, Susan, "R.E.S.T.A.R.T. (Re-assess Efforts in Surveillance, Training, & Approach to Re-engage & Treat) in HIV Rural Care" (2015). 9th Annual Rural HIV Research and Training Conference (2014-2019). 8.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ruralhiv/2015/2015/8
R.E.S.T.A.R.T. (Re-assess Efforts in Surveillance, Training, & Approach to Re-engage & Treat) in HIV Rural Care
People living with HIV (PLWH) in rural areas often have lower rates of medical retention and successful treatment outcomes due to limited access to medical services. This presentation seeks to demonstrate the innovative strategies within HIV surveillance, staff training, and communication approach to re-engage PLWH in the Mid-Cumberland Region of Tennessee that overcome barriers regarding health care management.