Description

The scope of this study is to engage HIV care clinics in the United States to co-develop context-responsive programs utilizing evidence-informed interventions to reduce processes and practices perceived as stigmatizing by people living with HIV who have difficulties accessing and remaining engaged in life-saving treatment. HIV-related stigma in a clinical setting directly impacts access to and uptake of healthcare, including engagement in HIV care services. The proposed intervention draws on the evidence-based Health Policy Plus (HP+) 'total' facility HIV stigma-reduction intervention that focuses on the clinics' organizational and interpersonal levels to strengthen patient care and engagement in services, and staff wellbeing. We will conduct an implementation trial of our HIV stigma-reduction intervention. Clinics will receive training to support them in 1) identifying/creating organizational-level policies and practices (e.g., clear understanding of what practices can be experienced as stigmatizing) to reduce HIV stigma, and 2) deliver participatory trainings to all staff (e.g., building awareness of the impact of patient perceptions and experiences of HIV-related stigma on health). In Aim 3, we will evaluate outcomes, including at the organization (primary outcome of Stigma Reduction Index - ratings of mission/vision statements, policies around HIV stigma, comfort level in clinics), interpersonal (secondary outcomes of provider/staff attitudes; behavior), and individual patient and/or staff (tertiary outcomes of clinic-level HIV indicators, reports of HIV care practices that can be experienced as stigmatizing, anxiety, depression, and stress) levels. Assessments will take place every 6 months.

The intervention will generate strategies to improve the wellbeing of the healthcare workforce. Ultimately, the study will produce implementation lessons on how to effectuate clinical practice changes to increase access to effective HIV treatment, as well as the wellbeing of the healthcare workforce.