​Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available to treat HIV+ persons and prevent transmission, ineffective delivery of care may delay ART use, impede viral suppression (VS), and contribute to racial/ethnic disparities along the continuum of care. This study tested the effects of a bi-directional laboratory health information exchange (LHIE) intervention on each of these outcomes. Authors examined whether LHIE intervention improved ART use and VS, and reduced racial/ethnic disparities in these outcomes among HIV+ 1,181 patients in a comprehensive HIV/AIDS clinic in Southern California.

Overall, the intervention predicted greater odds of ART use and VS in the final models that included sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates. Before the intervention, there were significant black/white disparities in ART use and VS. After the intervention, the black/white disparities decreased after adjusting for sociodemographics and the number of HIV care visits, and Latinos had greater odds than whites of ART use and VS, adjusting for covariates.

• William E. Cunningham, MD, MPH
• et al