Study finds new program to enhance HIV screening dramatically boosts testing in urgent care clinics and emergency departments
This study describes the development and implementation of a comprehensive HIV co-testing initiative across Intermountain Health’s urgent care clinics and emergency departments. The program was designed to standardize HIV screening for patients undergoing evaluation for sexually transmitted infections, addressing historically low HIV testing rates in Utah. Key components included clinician and patient education, electronic health record alerts prompting HIV test orders when appropriate, and a structured link-to-care system to ensure rapid follow-up for newly diagnosed individuals.