1. An Oak Tree Clinic & BCCDC partnership “Partnerships make a difference”

2.  RCT – WelTel Kenya 1  Kenya, 538 participants  SMS  May 2007- Oct 2008 FINDINGS: SMS patient support significantly improved ART adherence and rates of viral suppression (First report) –SMS patients 24% more likely to be adherent to ART –SMS patients 19% more likely to have suppressed VL WelTel Kenya 1

3. Prospective cohort study 25 participants from Oak Tree Clinic 5X5 groups Jan 2012 – Sept 2012 Weekly SMS started Apr 2012 Objectives:  Feasibility  Acceptability  Platform development  Qualitative and Quantitative data  Effects on CD4 and VL The Pilot Study: WelTel BC1

4. Youth:13-24 years of age. Mature: 50 years of age and older. ESL: born outside of Canada, & ESL Remote: > 3 hours travel time to reach clinic. Non-suppressed: CD4 250 on two consecutive occasions. The 5X5 Groups

5. The Intervention Platform sends SMS “How are you?” Positive response (ex: “I’m good”) SMS: “Great, text you again next week” Negative response (ex: “I have a question”) Phone call from RN No response in 48 hrs SMS: “I haven’t heard from you, everything okay? Positive response Negative or no response

6. Early findings Data from baseline interviews and focus groups: Gaps in care Interest in texting Concerns about texting

7.  Learn from our experience, qualitative and quantitative data  Role out an expanded study at OTC in early 2013 for100 patients – BMS funded  A goal of improving ARV adherence and health outcomes through patient support  What is the way forward from here? Next Steps

8. Our Wel Tel Team Oak Tree Clinic Dr Melanie Murray Karen Freisen Rebecca Graham Dr Neora Pick Juanita Maginley Evelyn Maan BCCDC Sarah Levine Natasha Van Borek, Dr Rich Lester