Human Immunodeficiency Virus Training Pathways in Residency: A National Survey of Curricula and Outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Background The Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, which aims to decrease the annual incidence of HIV infections in the United States (US) by 90% over the next decade, will require growth of a limited HIV provider workforce. Existing HIV training pathways within Family Medicine (FM) and Internal Medicine (IM) residency programs may address the shortage of HIV medical providers, but their curricula and outcomes have not previously been assessed. Methods We identified HIV residency pathways via literature review, Internet search, and snowball sampling and designed a cross-sectional study of existing HIV pathways in the US. This survey of pathway directors included 33 quantitative items regarding pathway organization, curricular content, graduate outcomes, and challenges. We used descriptive statistics to summarize responses. Results Twenty-five residency programs with dedicated HIV pathways in the US were identified (14 FM and 11 IM), with most located in the West and Northeast. All 25 (100%) pathway directors completed the survey. Since 2006, a total of 228 residents (77 FM and 151 IM) have graduated from these HIV pathways. Ninety (39%) of 228 pathway graduates provide primary care to persons with HIV (PWH). Conclusions HIV pathways are effective in graduating providers who can care for PWH, but generally are not located in nor do graduates practice in the geographic areas of highest need. Our findings can inform quality improvement for existing programs, development of new pathways, and workforce development strategies. Specifically, expanding pathways in regions of greatest need and incentivizing pathway graduates to work in these regions could augment the HIV workforce.