Two Models for Increasing the Scope and Activities of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Partner Services Programs: Preliminary Findings From the Fast Track Project

Abstract

BackgroundWe sought to develop a novel strategy for expanding an existing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) partner services (PS) model to provide comprehensive sexual health services, including sexually transmitted infection testing, a virtual telemedicine visit, and access to immediate start medication (antiretroviral treatment, preexposure or postexposure prophylaxis). Fast Track was a National Institutes of Health–funded implementation science trial in New York City to pilot and refine the new strategy, and examine its feasibility, acceptability, and impact.MethodsOver the course of 1 year, health department staff collaborated with the academic research team to develop Fast Track protocols and workflows, create a cloud-based database to interview and track patients, and train disease intervention specialists to deliver the new program. The initial field-based program (Fast Track 1.0) was piloted March to December 2019. A modified telephone-based program (Fast Track 2.0) was developed in response to COVID-19 pandemic constraints and was piloted August 2020 to March 2021.ResultsThese 2 pilots demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of integrating comprehensive sexual health services into HIV PS programs. Disease intervention specialists were successfully trained to conduct comprehensive sexual health visits, and clients reported that the availability of comprehensive sexual health services made them more willing to engage with PS. Key lessons for scale-up include managing collaboration with a licensed provider, navigating technical and technological issues, and challenges in client engagement and retention.ConclusionsThe success of this integrated strategy suggests that telehealth visits may be a critical gateway to care engagement for PS clients. This model is an innovative strategy for increasing engagement with HIV testing, prevention, and treatment for underserved populations.