Experiences Receiving HIV-Positive Results by Phone: Acceptability and Implications for Clinical and Behavioral Research
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Experiences Receiving HIV‑Positive Results by Phone: Acceptability and Implications for Clinical and Behavioral Research Alexa B. D’Angelo1,2 · Corey A. Morrison2 · Javier Lopez‑Rios1 · Caitlin J. MacCrate3 · David W. Pantalone4,5 · Matthew Stief2 · Christian Grov1,2
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Improving HIV testing rates and increasing early detection among men who have sex with men (MSM) are critical strategies for enhancing overall health and decreasing HIV transmission. Remote testing and phone delivery of HIV test results may reduce barriers such as geographic isolation or HIV-related stigma. In 2018–19, 50 MSM completed qualitative interviews about their experience receiving a positive HIV test result via phone through their participation in a research study that included remote HIV testing. Interview topics included the acceptability of, and concerns about, phone delivery of HIV results, as well as suggestions for improvement. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Overall, participants reported high acceptability of phone delivery of HIV-positive results. Participants praised the support and information provided by study staff. Benefits identified included increased convenience compared to in-person medical visits, allowing participants to emotionally process their test results privately, as well as receiving the results from supportive and responsive staff members. A few participants indicated drawbacks to phone-based HIV test result delivery, such as logistical concerns about receiving a phone call during the day (e.g., while at work), reduced confidentiality, and the lack of in-person emotional support. Overall, participants described phone delivery of positive HIV-results as acceptable. At-home testing with phone delivery has the potential to increase HIV testing access, especially to geographically isolated or medically underserved patients. Keywords HIV · MSM · HIV testing · Qualitative research · Telemedicine
Introduction As the HIV epidemic enters its fourth decade, men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be overrepresented among new HIV diagnoses. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that adult and adolescent
* Christian Grov [email protected] 1
CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 W. 125th St., 7th Floor Mailroom, New York, NY 10027, USA
2
CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA
3
Graduate School of Education, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
4
University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
5
The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
MSM represented nearly 70% of new HIV diagnoses in 2017, despite only constituting approximately 3.6% of the general population [1, 2]. As of 2006, the CDC formally recommended that sexually active MSM be screened for HIV at least annually, with more recent clinical guidelines suggesting even more frequent testing
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