Linkages to Care for Newly Diagnosed Individuals Who Test HIV Positive in Nonprimary Care Settings

Abstract

Linkage services are an increasingly important component of the continuum of care for people living with HIV, particularly for individuals diagnosed in nonprimary care settings who are less likely than those identified in primary care settings to have a usual source of care. This study examines successful models used by hospital emergency departments, health department outpatient clinics, and other nonprimary care providers for testing, linking, and engaging newly diagnosed HIV-positive racial and ethnic minorities into medical care. Based on studies of five mature linkage-to-care (LTC) programs implemented in geographically and institutionally diverse settings, we identify five key characteristics that make them viable. Effective linkage programs are low cost, intensive, time limited, unique, and flexible. We also identify four core components of successful LTC protocols: directly employed linkage workers, active referral to medical care, person-centered linkage case management, and cultural and linguistic concordance. Finally, we develop a set of operational strategies to help providers address barriers at all levels of the health care system to help promote the effective linkage of newly diagnosed patients to care. We organize the strategies around four key areas: adherence to LTC protocols, selection of linkage workers, execution of linkage programs, and sustainability of linkage programs. The findings presented in this study provide a practical and operational guide for developing and implementing policies and procedures for linking newly diagnosed individuals who test HIV positive in nonprimary care settings into ongoing care for HIV infection.