Cost-Utility of Access to Care, a National HIV Linkage, Re-engagement and Retention in Care Program

AIDS Behav. 2018 Nov;22(11):3734-3741. doi: 10.1007/s10461-017-2015-z.

Abstract

Linkage to HIV medical care and on-going engagement in HIV medical care are vital for ending the HIV epidemic. However, little is known about the cost-utility of HIV linkage, re-engagement and retention (LRC) in care programs. This paper presents the cost-utility analysis of Access to Care, a national HIV LRC program. Using standard methods from the US Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine, we calculated the cost-utility ratio. Seven Access to Care programs were cost-effective and two were cost-saving. This study adds to a small but growing body of evidence to support the cost-effectiveness of LRC programs.

Keywords: Access to Care; Cost–utility; HIV; Retention in HIV care.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / economics*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Community Health Services / economics*
  • Continuity of Patient Care / economics*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis / economics*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis / methods
  • Epidemics
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / economics
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Health Care Costs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Services Accessibility / economics*
  • Humans
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents