Practice Transformation in HIV Primary Care: Perspectives of Coaches and Champions in the Southeast United States

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: Across the United States, and particularly in the South, there is an urgent need to improve health outcomes for people with HIV. In response, the Southeast AIDS Education & Training Center (AETC) conducted a 4-year Practice Transformation (PT) initiative (2015-2018) in 12 mostly primary care clinics across 4 states in the region. Drawing on the leadership of PT facilitators (“coaches”) from AETC partner sites throughout the region and specific clinic staff members (“champions”), clinics worked toward self-selected organizational goals to increase their HIV care capacity and improve HIV health outcomes. Methods: To explore coaches’ and champions’ experiences and perspectives of PT, we conducted 2 focus group sessions, 1 tailored for coaches (n = 5) and another for champions (n = 9). Results: Content analysis of qualitative data revealed 4 major themes around coaches’ and champions’ experiences and perspectives of PT. These themes include Challenges, Facilitators, Successes, and Suggestions for PT Improvement. Conclusion: Primary care and infectious diseases/HIV clinics can help improve HIV Care Continuum outcomes through increasing their capacity to serve the needs of their clients, as facilitated through coaches and clinic champions. Since no single clinic or clinic patient population is alike, it is important work within organizations to address specific needs and leverage unique skillsets. Future PT initiatives can learn from experiences of this PT program to optimize the effectiveness of their programs.