Positive Health Check Evaluation Trial

The Positive Health Check (PHC) Evaluation Trial uses a randomized trial to test if a brief web-based counseling intervention can improve clinical outcomes among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study will also assess implementation processes, collect data to determine cost effectiveness, and document the standard of care in each clinic. The study will take place in four locations including Atlanta Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (Atlanta, GA), Hillsborough County Health Department (Tampa, FL), Rutgers Infectious Disease Practice (Newark, NJ) and Crescent Care (New Orleans, LA). The objectives of the PHC Evaluation Trial are four-fold: Objective 1) Implement a randomized trial to test if the PHC intervention improves clinical health outcomes, specifically viral load suppression and retention in care. While Positive Health Check (PHC) is designed to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, ART adherence and retention in care as well as reduce unprotected sex and promote safe injection practices, the primary outcome on which the trial is powered is viral suppression; Objective 2) Conduct an implementation evaluation to determine effective implementation strategies and integration of Positive Health Check (PHC) into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) primary care clinics; Objective 3) Collect and document data on the cost of the PHC intervention implementation; Objective 4) Document the standard of care at each participating site. Positive Health Check (PHC) is a web-based intervention that delivers tailored evidence-based prevention messages to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients through a series of brief interactive videos designed to simulate a conversation with an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) primary care provider. Web-based interventions have been shown to be effective in improving adherence and reducing sexual risk. Eligible patients, who use the intervention, are given a tablet with a privacy screen, a set of headphones, a unique login identification (ID) and will be prompted to create their own private password. Once logged in, the intervention guides a patient through tailored messaging from a video doctor on patient-selected topics including treatment initiation or adherence, retention in care, sexual risk reduction, pregnancy, and intravenous drug use. Throughout the intervention patients answer tailoring questions about themselves and based on their answers, are given tailored messages from their chosen video doctor. Positive Health Check (PHC) is designed to facilitate patient-provider communication on these topics. In the intervention, patients can select which questions they have for their doctor on the topics covered and which health promotion strategies they want to practice before their next visit. The questions and chosen health promotion strategies ("tips") automatically populate to a handout which is given to the patient after logging off. Patients also have access to another module that provides other information about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management, how to prevent transmission, and living a healthy lifestyle while being human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. The intervention will be considered implemented with fidelity if a patient completes the intervention in the clinic before or after seeing their primary care provider, or before or after a blood draw or ancillary appointment in advance of their appointment with their clinical provider. A patient may also begin the intervention in the clinic and complete it after the appointment or at home within 21 days. Evaluation of the intervention will include comparisons of the intervention and control arms on the primary outcome using data abstracted via electronic medical records, with the 12- month viral load value considered the primary outcome measure.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years of age or older;
• Diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
• English-speaking;
• Attending one of the four clinical sites;
• Meet at least one of the following: a) Most recent viral load lab result of ≥ 200 copies/mL, b) Attended an initial human immunodeficiency virus human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) appointment with a provider at one of the four sites within the past 12 months; c) Out of care (last attended appointment at the clinic was more than 12 months ago);
• Not involved in any other intervention that would bias outcome assessment,
• Deemed mentally competent and able to engage with the intervention.

Exclusion criteria

• Under 18 years of age;
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative;
• Does not speak English;
• Does not attend one of the four clinical sites for (HIV) primary care;
• Meets all of the following: a) Most recent viral load lab result of < 200 copies/mL, b) Did not attend an initial human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) appointment with a provider at one of the four sites within the past 12 months, c) Last attended appointment at the clinic was less than 12 months ago)
• Involved in an intervention that would bias outcome assessment;
• Deemed mentally incompetent to engage with the intervention.