Reducing perinatal HIV transmission among HIV-infected pregnant women.
BACKGROUND
In 1995, Help Understand and Guide-Me (HUG-Me) began planning the implementation of Protocol 076, a treatment that aids in the reduction of perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A program coordinator and a social worker worked with a 1572 bed-hospital system to successfully implement the protocol.


METHODS
Program effectiveness was tracked through monitoring of client outcomes. HIV test results of infants born to HIV-infected mothers were tracked for nine years. In addition, chart audits were conducted on all patients to ensure that testing and counseling were documented for every pregnant woman who delivered at the hospital.


RESULTS
From 1996 to 2005, among 434 births to HIV-infected women enrolled in the clinic, only one HIV-infected infant was born. Chart audits revealed that HIV testing and counseling were not being performed and/or documented by all physicians. Therefore, in-service training was initiated for providers on a regular basis. In addition, other factors were addressed to aid patient adherence to treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The initiative's success in virtually eliminating perinatal transmission has had a major impact in reducing rates of pediatric HIV/AIDS for the community.
Soza-Vento
Rita M
RM
Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Florida, USA.
Flowers
Lakeesha
L
Munroe
Alelia E
AE
Fritz
Kathy
K
Rua-Dobles
Ana
A
Munroe
Carmel
C
Singer
Bill
B
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D001363:Awards and Prizes; D003153:Community Health Services; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D016304:Hospitals, Private; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008485:Medical Audit; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000821:virology*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*