Integrated Health Services for HIV

(IHS Trial)

This trial explores whether incorporating HIV and STI testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) guidance into routine primary care increases service usage. It compares regular care to a new approach, Integrated Health Services (IHS), where testing and PrEP discussions occur automatically unless a patient opts out. The study examines how this change affects testing rates, PrEP guidance, and the satisfaction and comfort of patients and clinic staff. Adults aged 18 to 45 who receive care at specific health centers in Mississippi and speak English are suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative healthcare improvements that could benefit many.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on integrating HIV and STI testing into primary care, so it's unlikely that your current medications would be affected.

Research has shown that integrating HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections) services with regular healthcare is generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that this combined approach, which includes regular HIV/STI testing and advice on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), can increase the use of these health services without causing major issues for patients.

For instance, one study found that adding HIV prevention services to regular healthcare led more healthcare providers to offer PrEP. This suggests that the combined approach can be implemented without significant problems. Although specific details on side effects are not provided, the increased use of services indicates that both patients and healthcare providers find this approach acceptable.

Researchers are excited about the Integrated Health Services (IHS) model for HIV care because it offers a streamlined and standardized approach that current treatment methods lack. Unlike standard care, which relies on provider discretion, IHS incorporates routine opt-out HIV/STI screenings and uses electronic health record (EHR) prompts to ensure consistent care. Additionally, it features standardized PrEP navigation workflows, making preventive measures more accessible and efficient. This integrated method has the potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing missed opportunities for testing and treatment, thus enhancing overall healthcare delivery for individuals at risk of or living with HIV.

This trial will compare Integrated HIV/STI and PrEP Care with Standard Care. Research has shown that combining health services, such as regular HIV and STI testing with guidance on using PrEP (a medication to prevent HIV), can greatly improve health outcomes. One study found that when these services are combined, the chance of contracting HIV drops significantly, with rates as low as 0.13 cases per 100 people each year. Additionally, offering these combined services in clinics helps reach individuals who might not otherwise get tested or use PrEP. For instance, up to 75% of primary care patients in the U.S. don't get tested for HIV each year, but integrating these services can help close this gap. Overall, providing HIV and STI care along with PrEP advice in primary care settings can make these important health services more effective and widely used.³⁶⁷⁸⁹