1. Evaluation of the AETC HIV Testing Initiative

2. Background In 2006, revised recommendations for routine HIV screening were released. AETCs have worked to increase awareness of the new recommendations and improve the capacity of clinics to conduct routine HIV screening.

3. Evaluation of AETC Training and CBA Training and Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) to enhance routine HIV screening was provided to primary care clinics, labor and delivery departments and emergency departments. AETCs collaboratively developed a survey to assess organization-level changes in the ability to provide routine HIV screening.

4. Methods The survey was administered to clinic staff by LPS or central office evaluators before and after training and/or CBA. Clinic staff were asked: Whether and how they routinely tested patients. How many patients were tested in the last month. About policies and procedures on screening and linkage go care.

5. Participating Regions Midwest AETC Mountain-Plains AETC New York/New Jersey AETC Pacific AETC Southeast AETC Texas/Oklahoma AETC

6. Data Collection Organizational assessments were conducted between September 2008 and August 2009. Baseline data was collected from 49 sites. Follow-up data was collected from 16 sites. 33% response rate.

7. RESULTS: More testing Clinics receiving CBA were significantly more likely to include a program of routine HIV screening compared to those that did not receive CBA. After AETC capacity building assistance (CBA) was delivered, the number of clinics offering routine testing increased by 30% (p<.05).

8. RESULTS: Clinic Policies Respondents reported developing policies and procedures to ensure enhanced testing. After AETC capacity building assistance (CBA) was delivered, the number of clinics with policies on routine testing increased by 29% (p<.10).

9. RESULTS: Improved linkage to care After AETC CBA was delivered, the number of clinics with a formal plan for linking HIV+ to care increased by 34% (p<.01). Linkage was most successful when a primary care clinic was co-located in a site with an HIV clinic or had existing relationships with HIV service providers in the community.

10. Conclusion Overall, the AETC Testing Initiative achieved: Increasing the frequency with which patients are routinely offered HIV testing. Improving systems for ensuring linkage to care when patients are newly found to be infected with HIV.