Implementation of a Rapid Entry Program Decreases Time to Viral Suppression Among Vulnerable Persons Living With HIV in the Southern United States.
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ABSTRACT: Background:Rapid entry programs (REPs) improve time to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation (TAI) and time to viral suppression (TVS). We assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of a REP in a large HIV clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, serving a predominately un- or underinsured population. Methods:The Rapid Entry and ART in Clinic for HIV (REACH) program was implemented on May 16, 2016. We performed a retrospective cohort study with the main independent variable being period of enrollment: January 1, 2016, through May 15, 2016 (pre-REACH); May 16, 2016, through July 31, 2016 (post-REACH). Included individuals were HIV-infected and new to the clinic with detectable HIV-1 RNA. Six-month follow-up data were collected for each participant. Survival analyses were conducted for TVS. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate secondary outcomes: attendance at first clinic visit, viral suppression, TAI, and time to first attended provider visit. Results:There were 117 pre-REACH and 90 post-REACH individuals. Median age (interquartile range [IQR]) was 35 (25-45) years, 80% were male, 91% black, 60% men who have sex with men, 57% uninsured, and 44% active substance users. TVS decreased from 77 (62-96) to 57 (41-70) days (P < .0022). Time to first attended provider visit decreased from 17 to 5 days, and TAI from 21 to 7 days (P < .0001), each remaining significant in adjusted models. Conclusions:This is the largest rapid entry cohort described in the United States and suggests that rapid entry is feasible and could have a positive impact on HIV transmission at the population level.
SUBMITTER: Colasanti J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6022569 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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