A community-based accompaniment model for ART delivery at a free clinic for the homeless

Thursday, June 22, 2017: 7:00 AM
Kathryn Johnson, DO, MA (Psychiatry Resident PGY-4, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine - Carilion Clinic)
Christian Neal, MD, MPA (Attending Physician - Community Psychiatry Track, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine - Carilion Clinic)
Helen Ferguson, MPH (Director of Programs, Rescue Mission Ministries, Inc.)
Achieving high ART coverage in an area decreases incidence of HIV infections. Barriers to testing and care effect virological outcomes on the local, state and national levels. Homelessness, substance use and mental illness are common factors that negatively affect adherence to HIV treatment. Psychiatrists at the Fralin Free Clinic identified patients who demonstrate difficulty with HIV treatment adherence. Integrating principles similar to assertive community treatment (ACT) for severe mental illness and the community-based accompaniment model for ART delivery, psychiatric providers developed an intervention to improve medical and psychiatric outcomes.