Perspectives from the Field: HIV Testing and Linkage to Care in North Carolina.

BACKGROUND

HIV testing and linkage to care are critical first steps along the care continuum. Targeted efforts are needed in the South to achieve the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and qualitative examination of testing and linkage to care from the perspective of professionals in the field can provide nuanced insight into the strengths and limitations of a care system to inform improvement efforts. These issues are explored in North Carolina (NC), with potential applicability to other Southern states.

METHODS

Twenty-one interviews were conducted with professionals in the HIV prevention and care systems in NC. Interviews were analyzed for emergent themes.

RESULTS

Individuals' access barriers, aspects of clinics and clinical care, challenges for community-based organizations, stigma, and the role of the NC Department of Health and Human Services were identified as themes affecting testing and linkage.

DISCUSSION: These findings can inform efforts to address HIV testing and linkage to care in NC. This approach may provide beneficial insight for other systems of care.