TRANSPORTATION VULNERABILITY AS A BARRIER FOR PEOPLE NOT ENGAGED IN HIV MEDICAL CARE: MEASURING THE EFFECT OF TRADITIONAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES VERSES CONCIERGE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ON RETENTION IN CARE, VIRAL SUPPRESSION AND PATIENT SATISFACTION
Background
Patients in largely rural states, such as South Carolina, may benefit from free concierge transportation services due to the limited public transportation systems and substantial travel burdens in these areas. The University of South Carolina Medical Center’s Infectious Disease Clinic will determine the cost and effectiveness of Lyft transportation over traditional methods of transportation in increasing linkage to HIV care.
Design
A hybrid type II stepped wedged design was used with a sample of 160 patients who have been out of care for more than 1 year. The sample was divided into two clusters of 80 participants. The first cluster was divided with an intervention group of 40 participants with Lyft transportation and a control group of 40 participants with traditional transportation. The second cluster served as a control group of traditional transportation. Clusters gradually transitioned to Lyft transportation with data analysis completed at 9-month intervals.
Primary Objectives
- Measure virologic outcomes among patients utilizing concierge transportation over traditional transportation methods
- Examine the differential implementation and effectiveness outcomes by patient residence and driving distance to the clinic
- Assess the feasibility and related costs to expand this as a state-wide Ryan White supported program to partnering Ryan White grantees
Collaborators
Dr. Divya Ahuja
Dr. Sharon Weissman
Setting
University of South Carolina Medical Center Infectious Disease Clinic
Location
U.S.A.
Duration
Jan 2020 – Dec 2022
Category
Retention in Care and Adherence
Key study materials
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Study focus areas
Our implementation research projects have a global reach and focus on improving the HIV prevention and care continuum.
NP-GBL-HVX-WCNT-220049 October 2023
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