Assessment of the quality of HIV care in Florida

The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has ushered in a new era of HIV care in the US and allows HIV to be managed as chronic disease. Consequently, it has become more important to assess the quality of care to ensure that all patients receive effective care that meets recommended standards. Little to no research has been conducted to assess Florida’s quality of HIV care. 

The Medical Monitoring Program (MMP) collects data from patient interview and medical records abstraction from a representative sample of persons in care. The weighted data were analyzed to determine whether HIV patient care meets minimum standards as defined by federal and state protocols.

Of the estimated 43,974 persons in care, 85% received sufficient CD4 monitoring (at least twice per year), over 71% had a CD4 count of ≥350, 93% were on ART and 72% had an undetectable viral load. Over 72% received a flu vaccine and 75% of women received a pap smear.  Approximately 25% of patients were screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia while 42% were screened for syphilis.  Nearly 60% of patients reported sexual activity in the last year, but only 46% of these patients received transmission risk reduction counseling.

Though a majority of patients received most minimum care standards, an unacceptable low percentage of patients received risk reduction counseling and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening.  To reduce HIV transmission and promote optimal health among persons living with HIV, practitioners should apply new focus to risk behavior counseling and STI testing.