Improving Care Outcomes for PLWH Experiencing Homelessness and Unstable Housing: a Synthetic Review of Clinic-Based Strategies

• Published in: Current HIV/AIDS reports 2020-06, Vol.17 (3), p.259-267
• Main Authors: Clemenzi-Allen, A. Asa, Hickey, Matt, Conte, Madellena, Das, Doyel, Geng, Elvin, Riley, Elise, Havlir, Diane, Gandhi, Monica, Imbert, Elizabeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ambulatory Care Facilities; HIV; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - therapy; Homeless people; Homeless Persons - statistics & numerical data; Housing; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Implementation Science (E Geng; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Section Editor; Topical Collection on Implementation Science; Vulnerable Populations - statistics & numerical data
• ISSN: 1548-3568; 1548-3576
• DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00488-0

Purpose of Review Singular interventions targeting vulnerable populations of people living with HIV (PLWH) are necessary for reducing new infections and optimizing individual-level outcomes, but extant literature for PLWH who experience homelessness and unstable housing (HUH) has not been compiled. To inform implementation of clinic-based programs that improve care outcomes in this population, we present a synthetic review of key studies examining clinic-based interventions, specifically case management, patient navigation, financial incentives, and the use of mobile technology. Recent Findings Results from unimodal interventions are mixed or descriptive, are limited by inability to address related multi-modal barriers to care, and do not address major challenges to implementation. Summary Multi-component interventions are needed, but gaps in our knowledge base may limit widespread uptake of such interventions before further data are compiled. Future research evaluating interventions for PLWH experiencing HUH should include implementation outcomes in order to facilitate adaptation across diverse clinical settings.