Pilot study: an ED-based HIV screening program can be more productive when combined with a peer referral program.
In a pilot study, researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found that when a peer referral program is combined with an ED-based HIV screening program, more cases of undiagnosed HIV can be detected, providing a preventive health benefit to the community. However, more studies are needed to determine how to best capitalize on the yield of ED-based screening programs, and to get better estimates on the potential benefits of combining social networking programs with screening programs. Dedicated testers and a streamlined process for enabling patients to be signed in as outpatients rather than ED patients were key aspects of the program. To reach into the social networks of patients who tested positive for HIV or were at high risk, program staff provided them with coupons for free HIV testing that they could pass on to their friends and partners. In particular, program staff targeted any companions or partners of patients who were in the ED with them when they came in for testing. Between May and September of 2011, 466 patients were tested, with four patients testing positive for HIV. Among participants in the testing/peer-referral program, 34% had no prior visit to the ED, and 69% had never been tested by the ED-based HIV testing program.
D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009820:Ohio; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012017:Referral and Consultation