Measuring the HIV Care Continuum Using Public Health Surveillance Data in the United States

The HIV care continuum is a critical framework for situational awareness of the HIV epidemic, yet challenges to accurate enumeration of continuum components hamper continuum estimation in practice. We describe local, surveillance-based estimation of the HIV continuum in the United States, reviewing common practices as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, we review some challenges and biases likely to threaten existing continuum estimates. Current estimates rely heavily on the use of CD4 cell count and HIV viral load laboratory results reported to surveillance programs as a proxy for receipt of HIV-related outpatient care. As such, continuum estimates are susceptible to bias due to incomplete laboratory reporting and imperfect sensitivity and specificity of laboratory tests as a proxy for routine HIV care. Migration of HIV-infected persons between jurisdictions also threatens the validity of continuum estimates. Data triangulation may improve but not fully alleviate biases

Perspectives from the Field

Background: HIV testing and linkage to care are critical first steps along the care continuum. Targeted efforts are needed in the South to achieve the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and qualitative examination of testing and linkage to care from the perspective of professionals in the field can provide nuanced insight into the strengths and limitations of a care system to inform improvement efforts. These issues are explored in North Carolina (NC), with potential applicability to other Southern states. Methods: Twenty-one interviews were conducted with professionals in the HIV prevention and care systems in NC. Interviews were analyzed for emergent themes. Results: Individuals’ access barriers, aspects of clinics and clinical care, challenges for community-based organizations, stigma, and the role of the NC Department of Health and Human Services were identified as themes affecting testing and linkage. Discussion: These findings can inform efforts to address HIV testing and linkage to care in NC. This approach may provide beneficial insight for other systems of care

Barriers and Facilitators to Retaining and Reengaging HIV Clients in Care

Retention in HIV care is critical to decrease disease-related mortality and morbidity and achieve national benchmarks. However, a myriad of barriers and facilitators impact retention in care; these can be understood within the social–ecological model. To elucidate the unique factors that impact consistent HIV care engagement, a qualitative case study was conducted in North Carolina to examine the barriers and facilitators to retain and reengage HIV clients in care. HIV professionals (n = 21) from a variety of health care settings across the state participated in interviews that were transcribed and analyzed for emergent themes. Respondents described barriers to care at all levels within the HIV prevention and care system including intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and public policy. Participants also described recent statewide initiatives with the potential to improve care engagement. Results from this study may assist other states with similar challenges to identify needed programs and priorities to optimize client retention in HIV care