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BACKGROUND

AID Upstate plays a vital role in supporting around 1,500 patients residing in both urban and rural areas. These clients encounter a myriad of challenges, including but not limited to stigma, poverty, isolation, limited social support, substance use issues, transportation barriers, homelessness, and food insecurity. Despite these obstacles, AID Upstate is dedicated to providing comprehensive clinical services to address their needs.

AID Upstate offers a range of clinical services including primary healthcare, specialized ID healthcare, behavioral therapy, and limited substance abuse therapy. AID Upstate also offers valuable support through peer navigation, vaccinations, and assistance with medication access. Clients benefit from the convenience of onsite clinical and medical case management services, ensuring that they receive personalized and holistic care throughout their healthcare journey. By addressing these multifaceted challenges and providing a diverse array of services, AID Upstate makes a significant and positive impact on the well-being and health outcomes of the communities it serves.

 CHALLENGE

Clients who lack regular access to communication tend to experience a higher likelihood of disengaging from care, compared to those who have consistent access to communication. This is primarily due to the challenges faced by those with limited communication opportunities, as they may find it more difficult to stay connected and receive the necessary support and information to remain engaged in care. Establishing reliable communication channels becomes crucial to ensuring better retention and overall care outcomes for all clients.

SOLUTION

With funding support from South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), AID Upstate first implemented PL Cares® in late 2019 through ADAP rebate generated funds dedicated to the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Funding has continued through that source since.

As part of the program, AID Upstate provides smartphones to clients that do not already have a phone, or a monthly $55 data credit for clients who already have a phone. Clients remain eligible for receiving phone service or their monthly credit by responding to more than 48% of their daily check-ins in the preceding month.

The PL Cares® program is offered to AID Upstate clients who do not have a consistent means of communication, and clients who have the need for an additional tool to assist in their engagement with their overall healthcare.

By establishing a reliable means of communication, clients can more effectively stay engaged with their medical case managers, enabling them to receive access to medical care, ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement throughout their healthcare journey. Moreover, this consistent connection allows medical case managers to stay informed about the clients' needs, concerns, and progress, which aids in tailoring personalized care plans and interventions. As a result, the integration of reliable communication channels becomes an indispensable tool in promoting holistic and effective healthcare management, leading to improved client outcomes and overall well-being.

OUTCOMES

To date, the viral suppression rate of the AID Upstate PL Cares cohort is 93.6%, as compared to 79.5% at time of enrollment of the 156 members who are currently active. The 1-year retention rate is 51% [calculated as the number of Members who have used the app for >1 year/ total number of Members enrolled since inception].