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Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Incorporation of Home Specimen Self-Collection Kits for Laboratory Testing in a Telehealth Program for HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis

Home specimen self-collection kits with central laboratory testing may improve persistence with PrEP and enhance telehealth programs. We offered Iowa TelePrEP clients the choice of using a home kit or visiting a laboratory site for routine monitoring. Mixed-methods evaluation determined the proporti...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Chasco, Emily E., Hoth, Angela B., Cho, Hyunkeun, Shafer, Cody, Siegler, Aaron J., Ohl, Michael E.
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Springer US 2021
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7975241/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33740212
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10461-021-03209-9
Descripción
Sumario:Home specimen self-collection kits with central laboratory testing may improve persistence with PrEP and enhance telehealth programs. We offered Iowa TelePrEP clients the choice of using a home kit or visiting a laboratory site for routine monitoring. Mixed-methods evaluation determined the proportion of clients who chose a kit, factors influencing choice, associations between kit use and completion of indicated laboratory monitoring, and user experience. About 46% (35/77) chose to use a kit. Compared to laboratory site use, kit use was associated with higher completion of extra-genital swabs (OR 6.33, 95% CI 1.20–33.51, for anorectal swabs), but lower completion of blood tests (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06–0.73 for creatinine). Factors influencing choice included self-efficacy to use kits, time/convenience, and privacy/confidentiality. Clients reported kit use was straight-forward but described challenges with finger prick blood collection. Telehealth PrEP programs should offer clients home kits and support clients with blood collection and kit completion.