Benefits of Small-Group Education and Community Partner Networking for Reengagement and Retention in Clinical Services Among People With HIV in the United States

Objective The Building HIV Pathways initiative was developed to address gaps in retention in HIV care. Methods The initiative consisted of small-group didactic sessions and faculty/participant discussions with HIV providers and external partners. Results We delivered small-group educational sessions to 219 participants at 9 HIV clinics. The average relative gain in confidence at posttraining in regard to implementing measures to identify and reengage patients with care was 27% ( P < .01) and at 30-day follow-up was 22% ( P < .01). Intent-to-change practices at posttraining around identifying patients no longer attending clinic were observed, including intent to improve use of resources and increase collaboration with external organizations. There was a 58% increase ( P < .01) in collaboration with external partners at follow-up. Conclusion The Building HIV Pathways initiative demonstrated that in-person, small-group education and strengthening linkages with external partners can improve HIV clinic staff awareness and help build relationships with community partners to reengage patients in HIV clinical services.