Mobile Phone-based Intervention to promote un-interrupted HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Keeping HIV-infected adults away from the health care system during the COVID-19 travel restrictions, presents a challenge to HIV treatment adherence.
 Methods: This study focused on the initial two phases where Phase 1 designed a Makerere College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-based application; and Phase 2 piloted patient enrolment onto the application and determined the feasibility of remote follow-up of patients receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART).
 Results: A off/online user application, MakCHS Health app, was developed. Overall, 112 patients [(66(59%) female] receiving ART at Mulago ISS clinic, Kampala, were enrolled onto the MakCHS Health app. Up to 89 (80%) utilized the app to access medical help. Patients’ medical queries included needs for drug refills, missed taking HIV medication, medical illnesses, access to COVID-19 vaccination and other personal needs that required clinicians’ attention.
 Conclusion: Piloting a MakCHS Health application for patient follow-up was feasible and well-received by HIV treatment providers and patients receiving ART. We recommend scale up of the application to enroll all patients receiving long-term treatment for HIV/AIDS, and subsequently expand to. other HIV treatment programs in similar settings.
 Keywords: M-Health; patient follow up; Chronic HIV treatment; Antiretroviral therapy.

Effectiveness of online HIV treatment services in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…The feasibility of remote follow‐up of patients receiving long‐term ART was determined, which showed that 112 patients receiving ART at Mulago Immune Suppression Syndrome clinic in Kampala enrolled in the MakCHS Health app. Up to 89 (80%), patients used the app to access COVID‐19 vaccination and other personal needs that required a clinician [ 18 ]. Another randomized controlled pilot trial in Korea evaluated the effects of a self‐management program using a mobile app (Health Manager) on self‐management outcomes among PLHIV in Korea.…”

A century of Makerere and 22 years of academic publishing: African Health Sciences into a new gear

“…A venture into high tech medicine 8 , PhD training 9 , and quick response to pandemics [10][11][12][13] highlights Makerere's diverse roles. We give the readers a glimpse into surgery 14 , refugee health 15 and eyecare 16 as we conclude themes of this special issue.…”