Blog Part 6: Free-up resource to invest in re-engagement initiatives

Technology is by no means the silver bullet in solving the issue of loss to follow up in HIV care. But as we have covered in previous instalments of this series, it can support services to retain and reengage patients in several ways by:

• Providing fast accurate insight into HIV patient cohorts

• Automating retention/re-engagement processes

• Facilitating better caseload management

• Supporting enhanced patient adherence with care pathways

• Delivering more effective patient communication

However, while patient facing online platforms and smart phone apps may support some patients to remain engaged with HIV care, others may be unlikely to sign-up to platforms like Inform PHR.

There can be many reasons for this. Some patients may not have the necessary hardware or internet connectivity. Others, such as those who lack capacity to self-manage aspects of their care due to poor mental health or problematic substance use, may find registering and logging on to a patient facing system or smart phone app challenging.

Despite this, technology can still deliver value in the bid to reduce the number of diagnosed patients disengaged with care. This is because, technology like Inform HIV and the PHR allow services to streamline care for less complex, more engaged patients in several ways, such as through:

• Online booking for HIV care related appointments

• Online triage and appointment booking for STI and contraception related care

• Online assessments and HIV follow ups

• Access to HIV related test results online

• Online access to their own HIV care plan

• Adherence monitoring

In doing so, resource can be refocused onto patients with more complex needs, or who have (or are likely to) drop out of care via offline interventions. This can represent significant efficiency gains for services, while encouraging and empowering patients to remain engaged with care pathways.

In our next and final instalment of this blog series, we’ll be looking at technology’s role in creating a more integrated, multi-agency approach to managing loss to follow up.

To learn more about how Inform HIV and the PHR can support your service to better manage loss to follow up click here.