Improving HIV Screening Practices at a Community Health Care Clinic for the Underserved in Southwest New Mexico

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has significant health implications and complications and deaths occur when HIV-positive individuals do not receive HIV testing, treatment, and care. Despite recommendations for universal HIV screening, practice is inconsistent and knowledge is deficient among clinic staff at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that serves vulnerable homeless and underserved populations in Southwest New Mexico regarding HIV screening and appropriate referral for testing and care within the community. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a brief educational intervention to increase knowledge and influence intended practice behavior related to HIV screening practices and referrals at an FQHC that serves homeless and underserved patients in Southwest New Mexico. Methods: The project included evaluation of a brief online, asynchronous webinar focusing on local HIV prevalence, risk factors, screening, testing, and referral. Anonymous online quantitative pretests and posttests were used to evaluate effectiveness and satisfaction. Results: Nine clinical staff completed the pretest and six completed the posttest. Improvements in knowledge related to awareness of free or low-cost HIV screening options within the community and who should be screened and intended practice related to familiarity with clinic testing, documentation of testing, and referral within the community was demonstrated. Conclusions: A brief asynchronous webinar focusing on appropriate HIV screening and referral is an effective tool for ongoing staff education at a FQHC that serves homeless and underserved patients. Strengthening community partnerships may facilitate improved screening and access to further care