Description of a novel pediatric emergency department-based HIV screening program for adolescents

Seize the Opportunity: Increasing the HIV Screening Rate in Adolescents Presenting to a Community Pediatric Emergency Department

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to increase human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening in adolescents presenting to our community pediatric emergency department with symptoms suggestive of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and who were being tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Specifically, we aimed to increase the monthly average proportion of adolescents concurrently screened for HIV in this target group from 11% to 50% in 6 months.

METHODS

We identified barriers to HIV screening, focusing on physician-related challenges and adolescents' concerns about confidentiality. We designed interventions targeting these barriers and implemented them in plan-do-study-act cycles beginning in February 2020. We educated physicians and nurses about screening recommendations, emphasized a physician-conducted private interview during which confidential contact information could be obtained, and assured confidentiality on after visit summaries by removing STI results. We also provided regular feedback to physicians on the screening rate. In addition, we implemented an electronic health record quick order set and a documentation tool. Using a statistical process control chart, we measured the average monthly proportion of adolescents in the target group who were offered HIV screening or tested for HIV before and after interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 140 adolescents in the target group presented to our pediatric emergency department from February 2020 through December 2021. After plan-do-study-act cycles, the average monthly screening rate increased to 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Raising physician awareness of HIV screening recommendations and the importance of conducting a private interview improved screening rates. Assuring adolescent minors of confidentiality in a private interview, removing STI results from the after visit summary, and obtaining confidential contact information were important measures to overcome confidentiality barriers.

Comparison of Targeted and Routine Adolescent HIV Screening in a Pediatric Emergency Department

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were (1) to compare targeted and routine HIV screening in a pediatric emergency department (PED) and (2) to compare provider documented HIV risk assessment with adolescent perception of HIV risk assessment conducted during the PED visit.

METHODS

This prospective study ran concurrent to a PED routine HIV screening pilot. Adolescents could be tested for HIV by the PED provider per usual care (targeted testing); if not tested, they were approached for the routine screening pilot. A subset of adolescents completed a questionnaire on HIV risk. χ 2 analysis compared adolescents with targeted testing and routine screening. HIV-tested patients were asked if HIV risk was assessed; κ analysis compared this with documentation in the provider note.

RESULTS

Over 4 months, 107 adolescents received targeted testing and 344 received routine screening. One 14-year-old patient tested positive by routine screening; this adolescent had 2 PED visits without targeted testing within 60 days. Compared with routine screening, adolescents with targeted testing were more likely female (82% vs 57%, P < 0.001), 16 years or older (71% vs 44%, P < 0.001), or had genitourinary/gynecologic concerns (48% vs 6%, P < 0.001). Adolescents with HIV risk factors were missed by targeted testing but received routine screening. Adolescents with documented HIV risk assessment were more likely to receive targeted testing. There was moderate agreement (κ = 0.61) between provider documentation and adolescent perception of HIV risk assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

There are gaps in PED HIV risk assessment and testing, which may miss opportunities to diagnose adolescent HIV. Routine HIV screening addresses these gaps and expands adolescent HIV testing in the PED.

A systematic review of HIV screening programs conducted in pediatric emergency departments in the United States

BACKGROUND

We conducted a systematic review of studies published in peer-reviewed journals on HIV screening programs conducted in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) in the United States (US) with the objective of describing the methods, testing yields and challenges in these programs.

METHODS

We searched for full-text, English-language, original research articles focused on the conduct, development, initiation or implementation of any HIV screening program in a US PED through eight online databases (Pubmed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Google Scholar) from their inception through July 2020. We also searched for articles on the websites of thirteen emergency medicine journals, 24 pediatric and adolescent health journals, and ten HIV research journals, and using the references of articles found through these searches. Data on HIV testing program components and yield of testing was extracted by one investigator independently and verified by a second investigator. Each program was summarized and critiqued.

RESULTS

Of the eight articles that met inclusion criteria, most involved descriptions of their HIV testing program, except for one that was focused on quality improvement of their program. Five described an opt-in and three an opt-out approach to HIV screening. Programs differed greatly by type of HIV test utilized and who initiated or performed testing. There were large variations in the percentage of patients offered (4.0% to 96.7%) and accepting (42.7% to 86.7%) HIV testing, and HIV seropositivity in the studies ranged from 0 to 0.6%. Five of the eight studies reported an HIV seropositivity greater than 0.1%, above Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended threshold for testing in a healthcare setting.

CONCLUSIONS

The studies illustrate opportunities to further optimize the integration of HIV screening programs within US PEDs and reduce barriers to testing, improve efficiency of testing results and increase effectiveness of programs to identify cases. Future research should focus on advancing the methodology of screening programs beyond feasibility studies as well as conducting investigations on their implementation and longer-term sustainability.

Acceptability of HIV testing for adolescents and young adults by delivery model: a systematic review

HIV infections are prevalent among adolescents and young adults, of whom 44% remain unaware of their diagnosis. HIV screening presents numerous challenges including stigma, fear, and concerns about confidentiality, which may influence young people's acceptance of HIV screening and linkage to care differently from individuals in other age groups. It is imperative to understand which care delivery models are most effective in facilitating these services for youth. This systematic review analyzes the rates of HIV test acceptance and linkage to care by care delivery model for adolescents and young adults. Studies were classified into emergency department (ED), primary care/inpatient setting, community-based program, or sexually transmitted infection clinic models of care. From 6395 studies initially identified, 59 met criteria for inclusion in the final analyses. Rate of test acceptance and linkage to care were stratified by model of care delivery, gender, race, age ranges (13-17, 18-24 years) as well as site (North America vs rest of the world). A significant difference in acceptance of HIV testing was found between care models, with high rates of test acceptance in the ED setting in North America and primary care/hospital setting in the rest of the world. Similarly, linkage to care differed by model of care, with EDs having high rates of linkages to HIV care in North America. Future studies are needed to test mechanisms for optimizing outcomes for each care delivery model in addressing the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young adults.

Implementing Routine HIV Screening in an Urban Adolescent Population at a General Pediatric Clinic

PURPOSE

To increase the rate of routine HIV screening during preventative visits for adolescent patients aged 15 to 21 in a pediatric and adolescent clinic in accordance with national recommendations, which are poorly implemented nationwide.

METHODS

This was a quality improvement initiative. Four plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were conducted from May 2016 to February 2020. Interventions included education of and reminders for the multidisciplinary team on guidelines and testing, creation of a standardized workflow, introduction of a rapid point-of-care HIV antibody test (POCT), and implementation of an opt-out, medical assistant/nursing-driven protocol for HIV rapid point-of-care testing. The primary outcome measure was the monthly percentage of adolescents screened for HIV during preventative visits. Data is presented in a p-control chart and means were adjusted for special cause variation according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement guidelines.

RESULTS

Rates of routine HIV screening at preventative visits for youth ages 15 to 21 increased from the pre-intervention rate of 5.16% to a final rate of 41.5% over four PDSA cycles. Mean screening rates were adjusted after introducing the HIV POCT (+18.5%) and after implementing the medical assistant/nursing-driven protocol (+17.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully increased routine HIV screening rates at preventative visits for adolescents at an urban pediatric and adolescent clinic. This was in large part due to testing with a rapid HIV POCT and a clinic protocol allowing medical assistants and nurses to order the test under a physician's name as part of the intake process. Ours can be a model for other clinics.

Unique Needs for the Implementation of Emergency Department Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend universal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening starting at 13 years, which has been implemented in many general U.S. emergency departments (EDs) but infrequently in pediatric EDs. We aimed to 1) implement a pilot of routine adolescent HIV screening in a pediatric ED and 2) determine the unique barriers to CDC-recommended screening in this region of high HIV prevalence.

METHODS

This was a prospective 4-month implementation of a routine HIV screening pilot in a convenience sample of adolescents 13 to 18 years at a single pediatric ED, based on study personnel availability. Serum-based fourth-generation HIV testing was run through a central laboratory. Parents were allowed to remain in the room for HIV counseling and testing. Data were collected regarding patient characteristics and HIV testing quality metrics. Comparisons were made using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Regression analysis was performed to assess for an association between parent presence at the time of enrollment and adolescent decision to participate in HIV screening.

RESULTS

Over 4 months, 344 of 806 adolescents approached consented to HIV screening (57% female, mean ± SD = 15.1 ± 1.6 years). Adolescents with HIV screening were more likely to be older than those who declined (p = 0.025). Other blood tests were collected with the HIV sample for 21% of adolescents; mean time to result was 105 minutes (interquartile range = 69 to 123) and 79% were discharged before the result was available. Having a parent present for enrollment was not associated with adolescent participation (adjusted odds ratio = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.70). Barriers to testing included: fear of needlestick, time to results, cost, and staff availability. One of 344 tests was positive in a young adolescent with Stage 1 HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine HIV screening in adolescents was able to be implemented in this pediatric ED and led to the identification of early infection in a young adolescent who would have otherwise been undetected at this stage of disease. Addressing the unique barriers to adolescent HIV screening is critical in high-prevalence regions and may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment in this vulnerable population.

Asymptomatic Adolescent HIV: Identifying a Role for Universal HIV Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Adolescents account for most undiagnosed HIV infections in the United States. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends universal HIV screening for all patients ≥13 years, <10% of adolescents have been tested for HIV. To identify earlier opportunities for adolescent HIV prevention and diagnosis in a region of high HIV prevalence, we sought to describe pediatric emergency department (PED) visits made by a retrospective cohort of adolescents who were later diagnosed with HIV as young adults (<25 years) through an adult emergency department (ED) universal HIV screening program. CD4+ count was used to estimate the time of HIV infection before diagnosis and all PED visits in the 10 years before diagnosis were analyzed. Universal HIV screening in the adult ED diagnosed 193 young adults (median 22 years; 90% men; 29% stage 3); 70% had CD4+ at diagnosis that was used to estimate time of infection (mean 3.8 years). Thirty-eight HIV-infected young adults had a total of 109 PED visits in the 10 years before HIV diagnosis. Sexual history was documented in 12% of PED visits and a sexually transmitted infection test was sent in 6%. Ten HIV-infected young adults had 26 PED visits during the time in which they were likely already infected with HIV, each a potential missed opportunity for earlier diagnosis. HIV-infected and at-risk adolescents are underrecognized in PED visits. Implementation of CDC-recommended universal screening may lead to earlier diagnoses and improve outcomes; the PED may also be critical in identifying adolescents eligible for preexposure prophylaxis.

Implementation of Targeted Point of Care HIV Testing in a Pediatric Emergency Department

HIV infection rates are increasing among adolescents. Despite guidelines recommending annual HIV screening among sexually active adolescents, 3.6% of adolescents tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STI) in a pediatric emergency department (PED) were screened for HIV. The aim was to increase HIV screening to 90%.

Surveillance studies involving HIV testing are needed: Will at-risk youth participate?

OBJECTIVE

Adolescent males who have sex with males (AMSMs) account for high numbers of new HIV diagnoses. To date, surveillance data have been limited to diagnosed cases of HIV, resulting in an underestimation of risk and burden among AMSMs unwilling or unable to access HIV testing. This study identified facilitators and barriers to AMSMs' participation in future surveillance studies involving HIV testing.

METHOD

AMSMs (n = 198) aged 14 to 17 years participated. The majority identified as non-Hispanic White or Latinx, had a least 1 male sex partner, and self-reported HIV negative. Participants read an online survey beginning with a vignette describing a hypothetical HIV surveillance study requiring HIV testing. They then completed questions assessing likelihood to participate, perceived research benefits and risks, attitudes toward HIV risk, prior HIV health services, and parental awareness of sexual orientation.

RESULTS

Approximately 40% indicated strong willingness to participate. Willingness was positively related to perceived HIV risk, free access to HIV testing, counseling and referral if testing positive, confidentiality protections, and lack of access to a trusted physician. Having to tell others if one tested positive for HIV and requirements for guardian permission were significant participation barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Inclusion of HIV testing in surveillance studies is essential for accurate estimation of HIV incidence and prevalence among AMSMs. Successful recruitment of sexual minority youth into sexual health surveillance research will require procedures tailored to youth's health care needs and concerns, including adequate HIV counseling, referral to treatment if seropositive, and attention to concerns regarding guardian permission. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

A Novel Pediatric Emergency Department Intervention to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health Care

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel educational intervention for physician trainees to improve sexual health care provision, including condom distribution, in the pediatric emergency department.

METHODS

Resident physicians and medical students in an urban pediatric emergency department viewed an evidence-based educational video on sexual health care provision. It featured role-plays and a description of the condom distribution process, and targeted trainees who provide health care to patients aged 14 years or more with potential genitourinary complaints. Trainees completed pre- and postintervention surveys to assess attitudes, motivation, and confidence for 4 recommended practices (Likert scale, 1 = not at all to 4 = extremely). We used Wilcoxon signed rank tests to assess differences in paired responses to motivation and confidence statements. A subset of 33 trainees completed a brief survey to assess condom distribution during emergency department clinical encounters.

RESULTS

Of 56 trainees, 51 (91%) participated: 53% female, 58% from pediatrics. At baseline, participants reported high levels of confidence and motivation to provide sexual health care. Postintervention, there were significant increases in the proportion of participants who reported greater motivation and confidence to (1) ask a parent to step out of the room, (2) obtain sexual history, (3) discuss condom use, and (4) offer condoms (all P < 0.05). Postintervention, fewer participants "agreed/strongly agreed" that there is inadequate time to obtain sexual histories (22% vs 45%; P < 0.05). Most (60%) sexually active patients accepted condoms during clinical care.

CONCLUSION

In this pediatric emergency department, a low-cost intervention showed promise to improve trainee attitudes, motivation, and confidence toward adolescent sexual health care provision. These data may inform strategies to improve access to care for this population.

Structural Interventions in HIV Prevention: A Taxonomy and Descriptive Systematic Review

One of the four national HIV prevention goals is to incorporate combinations of effective, evidence-based approaches to prevent HIV infection. In fields of public health, techniques that alter environment and affect choice options are effective. Structural approaches may be effective in preventing HIV infection. Existing frameworks for structural interventions were lacking in breadth and/or depth. We conducted a systematic review and searched CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis Project's database for relevant interventions during 1988-2013. We used an iterative process to develop the taxonomy. We identified 213 structural interventions: Access (65%), Policy/Procedure (32%), Mass Media (29%), Physical Structure (27%), Capacity Building (24%), Community Mobilization (9%), and Social Determinants of Health (8%). Forty percent targeted high-risk populations (e.g., people who inject drugs [12%]). This paper describes a comprehensive, well-defined taxonomy of structural interventions with 7 categories and 20 subcategories. The taxonomy accommodated all interventions identified.

Reaching Adolescents for Prevention: The Role of Pediatric Emergency Department Health Promotion Advocates

OBJECTIVES

Almost 200,000 adolescents visit US emergency departments (EDs) yearly for conditions involving underage drinking but receive no follow-up referral. Other health risk behaviors resulting in sexually transmitted infections, car crashes, and assault-related injury are common among adolescents. A pediatric ED (PED) visit presents an opportunity to discuss and promote prevention. We report here on implementation of a new PED navigator/extender role, the Health Promotion Advocate (HPA).

METHODS

Health Promotion Advocates surveyed patients to identify health risks, stresses, and needs. A positive screen triggered a brief conversation containing the following elements: permission to discuss risks/needs; exploration of context (a typical day in your life); brief feedback (information and norms); exploration of benefits and consequences of risk behaviors; assessment of readiness to change; calling up assets, instilling hope; discussing challenges of change; negotiating a menu of options and prescription for change; referrals to primary care, community resources; and treatment services as indicated.

RESULTS

During 2009-2013, HPAs screened 2149 PED patients aged 14 to 21 years and referred 834 for an array of services (eg, primary care, mental health, insurance, personal safety, human immunodeficiency virus testing, general education diploma (GED), employment, housing, and food pantries) to address reported health risks; 785 screened positive for at-risk substance use (53% female, 36% without primary care). Among them, 636 received a brief intervention; 546 were referred to specialized substance abuse treatment. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the engagement and referral process.

CONCLUSIONS

Health Promotion Advocates working as PED team members can extend PED services beyond the scope of the presenting complaint.

Practices, Beliefs, and Perceived Barriers to Adolescent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

Limited data exist regarding knowledge of and compliance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's universal adolescent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening recommendations. Our objective was to assess current guideline knowledge, practice, and perceived barriers to emergency department (ED)-based adolescent HIV screening.

METHODS

We administered an anonymous Web-based cross-sectional survey from May 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012, to 1073 physicians from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine LISTSERV. Survey participants were included if they (1) practiced as attending-level physicians, (2) practiced primarily in pediatric emergency medicine or general emergency medicine, and (3) provided clinical care for patients younger than the age of 21 years. The survey examined respondent demographics, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, practices, and barriers to ED-based HIV screening. Standard descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 220 responses were obtained; 29 responses were excluded and 191 responses were included in the study. Most of the participants were from urban, free-standing children's hospitals and had an annual ED volume of more than 61,000 patient visits. Respondent knowledge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines was low; less than 40% of the respondents identified correct consent requirements. Only 15.4% of the respondents reported screening for HIV more than 10 times for the prior 6 months. Most frequently cited barriers included concerns for privacy (67.4%), follow-up (67%), and cost-effectiveness (65.4%). Human immunodeficiency virus screening facilitators included availability of health educators (83%), established follow-up (74.7%), and rapid HIV tests (65.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency department clinicians exhibit poor knowledge of adolescent HIV screening recommendations. Current universal screening practices remain low; barriers to screening are numerous. Future efforts should disseminate guideline knowledge, increase rapid HIV testing and health educator availability, as well as reduce adolescent-specific barriers.

Opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis in a pediatric ED

OBJECTIVES

Emergency department (ED) HIV screening is recommended but challenging to implement and of uncertain effectiveness in pediatric EDs (PEDs). We sought to determine whether there were opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis in the PED for a cohort of young adults diagnosed with HIV.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study reviewed PED records of a group of young adults receiving HIV care in an urban hospital setting. Pediatric ED visits were selected for review if they took place after the patient's estimated time of HIV acquisition and before their eventual diagnosis. Charts were reviewed to determine whether HIV infection was suspected and whether testing was offered.

RESULTS

Among a cohort of HIV-positive young adults, only 3 (3.6%; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-10.8) of 84 were seen in the PED during the time they were undiagnosed but likely to be infected with HIV. Among these subjects, there was no documentation that HIV testing was offered or refused nor was there documented suspicion of HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

There are opportunities for earlier diagnosis of HIV in PEDs, affirming the importance of HIV screening implementation in these settings. However, PEDs are unlikely to have the same frequency of contact with undiagnosed individuals as do adult EDs. Alternative methods of accessing at-risk adolescent populations must be identified.

Providing adolescent sexual health care in the pediatric emergency department: views of health care providers

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to explore health care providers' (HCPs') attitudes and beliefs about adolescent sexual health care provision in the emergency department (ED) and to identify barriers to a health educator-based intervention.

METHODS

We conducted focused, semistructured interviews of HCPs from the ED and adolescent clinic of a children's hospital. The interview guide was based on the theory of planned behavior and its constructs: attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to facilitate care. We used purposive sampling and enrollment continued until themes were saturated. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine interviews were required for saturation. Participants were 12 physicians, 12 nurses, 3 nurse practitioners, and 2 social workers; the majority (83%) were female. Intention to facilitate care was influenced by HCP perception of (1) their professional role, (2) the role of the ED (focused vs expanded care), and (3) need for patient safety. Health care providers identified 3 practice referents: patients/families, peers and administrators, and professional organizations. Health care providers perceived limited behavioral control over care delivery because of time constraints, confidentiality issues, and comfort level. There was overall support for a health educator, and many felt the educator could help overcome barriers to care.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite challenges unique to the ED, HCPs were supportive of the intervention and perceived the health educator as a resource to improve adolescent care and services. Future research should evaluate efficacy and costs of a health educator in this setting.

Interrelationship of alcohol misuse, HIV sexual risk and HIV screening uptake among emergency department patients

Background

Emergency department (ED) patients comprise a high-risk population for alcohol misuse and sexual risk for HIV. In order to design future interventions to increase HIV screening uptake, we examined the interrelationship among alcohol misuse, sexual risk for HIV and HIV screening uptake among these patients.

Methods

A random sample of 18-64-year-old English- or Spanish-speaking patients at two EDs during July-August 2009 completed a self-administered questionnaire about their alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the HIV Sexual Risk Questionnaire. Study participants were offered a rapid HIV test after completing the questionnaires. Binging (≥ five drinks/occasion for men, ≥ four drinks for women) was assessed and sex-specific alcohol misuse severity levels (low-risk, harmful, hazardous, dependence) were calculated using AUDIT scores. Analyses were limited to participants who had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between HIV screening uptake and (1) alcohol misuse, (2) sexual risk for HIV, and (3) the intersection of HIV sexual risk and alcohol misuse. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. All models were adjusted for patient demographic characteristics and separate models for men and women were constructed.

Results

Of 524 participants (55.0% female), 58.4% identified as white, non-Hispanic, and 72% reported previous HIV testing. Approximately 75% of participants reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days and 74.5% of men and 59.6% of women reported binge drinking. A relationship was found between reported sexual risk for HIV and alcohol use among men (AOR 3.31 [CI 1.51-7.24]) and women (AOR 2.78 [CI 1.48-5.23]). Women who reported binge drinking were more likely to have higher reported sexual risk for HIV (AOR 2.55 [CI 1.40-4.64]) compared to women who do not report binge drinking. HIV screening uptake was not higher among those with greater alcohol misuse and sexual risk among men or women.

Conclusions

The apparent disconnection between HIV screening uptake and alcohol misuse and sexual risk for HIV among ED patients in this study is concerning. Brief interventions emphasizing these associations should be evaluated to reduce alcohol misuse and sexual risk and increase the uptake of ED HIV screening.

Acceptability of sexual health discussion and testing in the pediatric acute care setting

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine acceptability of sexual health discussion and testing among adolescents, parents, and health care providers (HCPs).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of acute care patients (aged 14-19 years), parents, nurses, and physicians/nurse practitioners. Subjects rated sexual health discussion, sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy testing as acceptable/unacceptable and verbally explained their reasoning. Reasons were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed. Agreement with individual adolescent responses was determined. Controlling for visit type, logistic regression was used to evaluate association between location and acceptance with odds ratios (ORs). Visits were categorized as reproductive/nonreproductive.

RESULTS

Subjects included 127 adolescents, 90 parents, and 190 HCP responses. Mean adolescent age was 15.5 years; 57% were female; 43% reported previous intercourse; 43% were black, and 39% were white. Most visits (76%) were nonreproductive. Adolescents and parents were highly accepting of discussion and testing and were more accepting than HCPs. Acceptance was more likely for reproductive versus nonreproductive visits (P ≤ 0.05). Emergency department HCPs were more likely to accept discussion (OR, 2.8) and sexually transmitted disease testing (OR, 3.1) than urgent care HCPs. Acceptance themes among adolescents were comfort with system/HCP, confidentiality concerns, and desire for good health; among parents, acceptance themes were identification as a safe place for disclosure and desire for adolescent good health and information; and among HCPs, these were relevance to chief complaint and perception of appropriate care.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to HCPs, adolescents and parents expressed broad support for sexual health discussion and testing, which may inform HCP practice to improve access to care.

Rapid human immunodeficiency virus testing in the pediatric emergency department: a national survey of attitudes among pediatric emergency practitioners

OBJECTIVE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a significant public health concern for adolescents and young adults. Since 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended more aggressive routine screening for HIV for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Our objectives were to design and validate a survey of physician barriers toward the use of rapid HIV testing in the pediatric ED and then to use this validated tool to conduct a national survey of pediatric emergency practitioners' attitudes toward rapid HIV testing in the ED.

METHODS

Survey design and initial validation steps were conducted with a panel of health care practitioners familiar to HIV testing. Several variables were identified as possible barriers toward rapid HIV testing. The survey was sent via electronic software to a national sample of pediatric emergency practitioners over 2 listservs. The previously identified variables were evaluated by factor analysis for internal consistency and homogeneity, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted via promax and varimax rotation. All factor analyses were conducted using Stata software. Once the validation was complete, the surveys were sent to groups of pediatric emergency practitioners who had previously identified as having rapid HIV testing available in their EDs. Standard descriptive statistics were used, and group differences were evaluated with t test and χ(2) test.

RESULTS

Four factors were identified during the validation process as being the most important barriers for rapid HIV testing in the pediatric ED: self efficacy, familiarity, external barriers, and a previously unidentified factor, which we interpreted as related to barriers to the specific environment of one's own ED. A total of 80 participants returned the final, validated survey. The participants came from 9 different pediatric emergency medicine groups (5 in areas of low rates of HIV infection, 4 in areas of high rates of HIV infection). Self-reported rates of testing were not different based on HIV infection rate in the community or the respondent's level of training. High testing was more common when a guideline was reported (39%) than when it was not (13.3%; difference, 25.7%; 95% confidence interval, 2.9%-48.5%). Of the 4 factors identified, we found statistically significant differences in scores on all 4 factors between high versus low testers, with high testers disagreeing more strongly with the various barrier questions proposed. We found no difference in the factor scores between areas of high versus low HIV infection rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that several factors related to perceived provider barriers are associated with rates of HIV testing in the ED and that personal factors (eg, level of training) and community HIV prevalence were not associated with rates of testing. Our results confirm what has been speculated by numerous authors and provide data to inform efforts to improve compliance with national recommendations for increased testing.

Cost-effectiveness analysis and HIV screening: the emergency medicine perspective

Cost-effectiveness analysis is a useful tool for decisionmakers charged with prioritizing of the myriad medical interventions in the emergency department (ED). This analytic approach may be especially helpful for ranking programs that are competing for scarce resources while attempting to maximize net health benefits. In this article, we review the health economics literature on HIV screening in EDs and introduce the methods of cost-effectiveness analysis for medical interventions. We specifically describe the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio--its calculation, the derivation of ratio components, and the interpretation of these ratios.

Operational methods of HIV testing in emergency departments: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Casual review of existing literature reveals a multitude of individualized approaches to emergency department (ED) HIV testing. Cataloging the operational options of each approach could assist translation by disseminating existing knowledge, endorsing variability as a means to address testing barriers, and laying a foundation for future work in the area of operational models and outcomes investigation. The objective of this study is to provide a detailed account of the various models and operational constructs that have been described for performing HIV testing in EDs.

METHODS

Systematic review of PUBMED, EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Web of Science through February 6, 2009 was performed. Three investigators independently reviewed all potential abstracts and identified all studies that met the following criteria for inclusion: original research, performance of HIV testing in an ED in the United States, description of operational methods, and reporting of specific testing outcomes. Each study was independently assessed and data from each were abstracted with standardized instruments. Summary and pooled descriptive statistics were reported by using recently published nomenclature and definitions for ED HIV testing.

RESULTS

The primary search yielded 947 potential studies, of which 25 (3%) were included in the final analysis. Of the 25 included studies, 13 (52%) reported results using nontargeted screening as the only patient selection method. Most programs reported using voluntary, opt-in consent and separate, signed consent forms. A variety of assays and communication methods were used, but relatively limited outcomes data were reported.

CONCLUSION

Currently, limited evidence exists to inform HIV testing practices in EDs. There appears to be recent progression toward the use of rapid assays and nontargeted patient selection methods, with the rate at which reports are published in the peer-reviewed literature increasing. Additional research will be required, including controlled clinical trials, more structured program evaluation, and a focus on an expanded profile of outcome measures, to further improve our understanding of which HIV testing methods are most effective in the ED.

Pediatric emergency department-based rapid HIV testing: adolescent attitudes and preferences

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe adolescent attitudes/preferences toward rapid HIV testing in a pediatric emergency department (PED).

METHODS

An anonymous survey was completed by adolescents who presented to an urban PED. The survey was completed while they participated in a rapid HIV prevention/testing program. Survey questions included demographics, HIV risk factors/knowledge, prior testing experience, and attitudes/preferences toward rapid HIV testing.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen adolescents between the ages of 14 and 21 years were surveyed. Most respondents (69%) reported that the emergency department was a very high preference location for testing. Eighty percent of adolescents agreed that they were more likely to get tested for HIV if a rapid test was available. Most participants strongly agreed that it was important to receive pretest and posttest counseling for HIV. In addition, 38% strongly agreed that they preferred a same-sex counselor, whereas 9% strongly agreed that they preferred a same-ethnicity counselor. Eighty-one percent reported that they planned to get retested for HIV in the next 6 to 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers valuable new insights into adolescent attitudes and preferences for rapid HIV testing in a PED. Adolescents gave high ratings to the location, testing, and counseling process. Our data support the importance of structured counseling, which is contrary to current published perspectives of counseling efficacy. In addition, we found that the PED was a highly preferred location for rapid HIV testing, which supports the need for increased development of prevention and testing programs in this setting.

Acceptance of rapid HIV screening in a southeastern emergency department

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to assess the acceptance of an emergency department (ED) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening program based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for routine HIV screening in health care settings.

METHODS

Rapid HIV screening was offered on an opt-out basis to patients aged 13 to 64 years presenting to the ED by trained HIV counselors. Patients were excluded if they had a history of HIV, were physically or mentally incapacitated, did not understand their right to opt-out, or did not speak English or Spanish. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were performed to assess the associations between the demographics of patients offered testing and their test acceptance or refusal.

RESULTS

From March 2008 to January 2009, a total of 5,080 (91%) of the 5,585 patients offered the HIV test accepted, and 506 (9%) refused. White and married patients were less likely to accept testing than those who were African American and unmarried (p < 0.001). Adult patients were almost twice as likely to accept testing as pediatric patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50 to 2.53). As age increased among pediatric patients, testing refusal decreased (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.85), and as age increased among adult patients, testing refusal increased (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.22). Two percent of persons accepting the test were considered high risk. Males were more likely to report high-risk behavior than females (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.23 to 2.72).

CONCLUSIONS

The opt-out approach results in high acceptance of routine HIV screening. Widespread adoption of the CDC's recommendations, although feasible, will require significant increases in resources.

High-volume rapid HIV testing in an urban emergency department

New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend routine HIV screening in locations including emergency departments. This study evaluates a novel approach to HIV counseling and testing (C&T) in a high-volume inner-city emergency department in terms of the number of patients who can be recruited, tested, test positive, and are linked to care. This prospective evaluation was conducted for 26 months. Noncritically ill or injured patients presenting to an inner-city emergency department were recruited. Patients used a multimedia program that facilitated data entry and viewed previously evaluated HIV counseling videos. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, and sexual history were collected. Data were collected on the number of patients tested, number of HIV-positive patients identified, and number linked to care. Demographic characteristics of the participants were as follows: 48.7% males, mean age 32.6 +/- 11.3, 34.6% Hispanic, and 37.9 % African American. Of the 7109 eligible patients approached, 6214 (87.4%) agreed to be HIV tested. There were 57 newly diagnosed or confirmed HIV-positive patients, representing a seroprevalence of 0.92%. Of those testing positive, 49 (84.2%) were linked to care and had a mean initial CD4 count of 238 cells/mm(3). In conclusion, a video-assisted rapid HIV program in a busy inner-city hospital emergency department can effectively test a high volume of patients and successfully link HIV-positive individuals to care, while providing high-quality education and prevention messages for all those who test.

Young people in the United Kingdom and Ireland with perinatally acquired HIV: the pediatric legacy for adult services

Children with perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection are surviving into adolescence and increasingly transitioning toward adult services. Planning appropriate services in adult life requires an understanding of their progress through pediatric care. We describe the demographic features, disease progression, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and resistance in young people aged 10 years or more living in the United Kingdom and Ireland reported to the National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood (NSHPC) with prospective annual follow-up in the Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study (CHIPS) between 1996 and September 2007. Six hundred fifty-four perinatally infected young people were identified; 76% black African, 57% born abroad. Median age at presentation and duration of follow-up was 1 and 11 years, respectively, if born in the United Kingdom/Ireland, and 8 and 5 years if born elsewhere. One hundred sixty-nine (26%) ever had an AIDS-defining illness. Ten died during adolescence. At last follow-up, 64% were on ART, 18% off treatment having previously received ART and 18% were ART naive. Of 518 who had received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 47% were triple class experienced. At last follow-up 77 (12%) had CD4 counts less than 200 per microliter; of those on HAART, 78% had HIV-1 RNA </=400 copies per milliliter, median CD4 count 554 (interquartile range [IQR] 324-802). Among 166 with resistance assays on HAART, 52% and 12% had dual- and triple-class HIV-1-associated resistance mutations, respectively. One hundred three (16%) young people had transferred to adult services. Young adults with perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection require coordinated multidisciplinary transitional care services and careful long-term follow-up in adult life.