1
|
Mullens AB, Duyker J, Brownlow C, Lemoire J, Daken K, Gow J. Point-of-care testing (POCT) for HIV/STI targeting MSM in regional Australia at community 'beat' locations. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:93. [PMID: 30711001 PMCID: PMC6359847 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-3899-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovative health promotion strategies are needed to improve access to HIV testing among regional people in Australia, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM). This project aimed to establish proof of concept for point-of-care-testing (POCT) via a mobile van clinic at community 'beat' locations. Surveys evaluated client satisfaction, characteristics and testing preferences among 'early adopters'. Sequential mixed-methods approach was used which included secondary qualitative analysis of field notes written by peer-testers (i.e., trained lay providers from the key population being targeted; to extend the contextualise the pilot evaluation), documenting barriers/facilitators and innovations, per action research and to guide recommendations for future health promotion initiatives. METHODS A POCT 'proof of concept' project (2, 3-hourly sessions/week; 20 weeks) was delivered in a regional town by peer-testers using a mobile clinic van, recruited by geosocial 'apps' targeting MSM. Clients completed surveys regarding demographics, and testing satisfaction, frequency and preferences. Peer-testers completed detailed field notes for each session including client characteristics and impressions, salient events, concerns and recommendations. RESULTS The program resulted in 34 online health promotion conversations with MSM and 34 POCT tests (19 HIV, 15 Syphilis; 18 unique client visits; 17 identified as MSM, with 1 heterosexual female. Rates of satisfaction among early adopters of POCT was high. Analysis of field notes revealed three major themes: 1) Practical challenges; 2) Barriers to engagement; and 3) Recruitment method/project promotion. CONCLUSIONS Amongst early adopters satisfaction was high, with 47% of clients reported infrequent testing (over 12 months ago) or having 'never tested'. No tests were reactive. Challenges associated with this health promotion initiative and recommendations for future HIV testing promotion and programs were outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Mullens
- School of Psychology & Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich, QLD, 4305, Australia. .,School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.
| | - Josh Duyker
- Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla St, East Brisbane, QLD, 4169, Australia
| | - Charlotte Brownlow
- School of Psychology & Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Main St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Jime Lemoire
- Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla St, East Brisbane, QLD, 4169, Australia
| | - Kirstie Daken
- School of Psychology & Counselling, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich, QLD, 4305, Australia
| | - Jeff Gow
- School of Commerce, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Main St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia.,School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Driver G, Debattista J, Gu Z, Lemoire J, Hooper J. HIV testing within the African community using home-based self collection of oral samples. Aust N Z J Public Health 2017; 41:446. [PMID: 28245516 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhihong Gu
- Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brown S, Debattista J, Durkin I, Hooper J. Mailed specimen collection for HIV testing in regional Queensland, Australia: a second attempt. Aust N Z J Public Health 2016; 40:397-8. [PMID: 27372726 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John Hooper
- Darling Downs Sexual Health & HIV Service, Queensland
| |
Collapse
|