Project dates: October 2013 - June 2017
Principal Investigator: Alexander C
Effective outcomes for persons living with HIV/AIDS depend upon strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy. HIV-positive young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have shown less engagement in care and limited ability to adhere with chronic HIV management and treatment. The study refined, delivered, and determined the acceptability and applicability of a professional education program, Care and Support Access (CASA) that includes teaching the CASA curriculum, followed by on-site mentored training, to introduce palliative approaches into outpatient HIV care.
This program prepared a multidisciplinary health care team, including Patient Representatives, at two clinics to deliver patient-centered care integrated with ongoing outpatient HIV care. Guided by the needs of the patient, Patient Representatives advised on approaches, services, and outcomes for YMSM. Project objectives were to document how to integrate care and support when patients have multidimensional needs beyond the scope of routine outpatient care delivery and looked at the impact of patient-centered care strategies on patient outcomes (e.g. mental health, quality of life), retention in care, and adherence to treatment (e.g., achievement of viral suppression). The information learned from this research will help improve HIV care management and services for HIV-positive young men who have sex with men.
Abstract on PCORI WebsiteYoung same-gender-loving men (SGLM) living with HIV continue to experience symptoms that may impair their retention in care
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 33 (1), 385-397. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2022.0029.
Alexander CS, Raveis VH, Karus D, Carrero-Tagle M, Lee MC, Pappas G, Lockman K, Brotemarkle R, Memiah P, Mulasi I, Hossain BM, Welsh C, Henley Y, Piet L, N'Diaye S, Murray R, Haltiwanger D, Smith CR, Flynn C, Redfield R, Silva CL, Amoroso A, Selwyn P (2021).
Early use of the palliative approach to improve patient outcomes in HIV disease: Insights and findings from the Care and Support Access (CASA) Study 2013-2019
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 38 (4), 332-339. doi: 10.1177/1049909120951129.
Alexander CS, Raveis VH, Karus DG, Lee MC, Tagle MC, Brotemarkle R, Pappas G, Selwyn P (2017).
Patient centered care for persons with HIV disease: Protocol review for CASA study (Care and Support Access) early in chronic disease management
Journal of Palliative Care and Medicine, 7 (2), 1000300. doi: 10.4172/2165-7386.1000300.