Online-to-offline models in HIV service delivery

Abstract

Purpose of review Half the world’s population has access to Internet and technologies, and utilization is near-ubiquitous among providers and key populations. Despite being so well connected; identifying, reaching and linking vulnerable populations to HIV clinical services remains a global challenge. This review highlights the emerging online-to-offline (O2O) models, their potential in scaling-up services, and evaluating impact, and implications for future research. Recent findings Globally, four major types of O2O models have been implemented, primarily in the West and Asia, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TG). These models have varying levels of impact in terms of reach, engagement, participation, linkage, and ability to track and monitor participants, and assess outcomes. Those integrated with offline sites enable seamless transition, dramatically reduce the O2O linkage time and demonstrate high linkage success (>73%). O2O models are ideal for at-risk, stigmatized, criminalized populations and for scaling-up biomedical prevention interventions such as pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. Summary O2O models represent novel and powerful solutions to reverse the pandemic, and could help fill significant programmatic gaps in tracking individuals through HIV cascades. Providers, especially in resource-limited settings could choose between a variety of current approaches highlighted in this review, and employ no-cost or cost-effective technologies to transform their traditional models and leverage O2O models.

Clinic-Integrated Mobile Health Intervention (“JomPrEP” App) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Protocol for an Intervention Development and Multiphase Trial

“…Mobile health (mHealth) interventions represent an innovative strategy to transform health service delivery and personal health management [ 23 - 26 ]. In particular, online-to-offline (O2O) models integrating emerging technologies in HIV service delivery are recommended for highly stigmatized persons with or at risk for HIV [ 30 , 31 ]. The O2O models represent powerful resources and opportunities to tailor online outreach as well as identify and engage key populations with a seamless transition to offline HIV clinical services.…”

A qualitative study of the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) on psychological and financial wellbeing and engagement in care among men who have sex with men living with HIV in Thailand

“…Since 2010, Adam’s Love web‐based interventions ( www.adamslove.org ) have successfully engaged Thai MSM and TGW in HIV prevention and treatment cascades through their novel online‐to‐offline (O2O) models. 11 , 12 , 13 Data from the Adam’s Love We Care study 14 reveal that over one‐third of its MSM participants with HIV are employed by the tourism sector, for example in hotels, shopping malls, entertainment venues, airlines and airports. The Adam’s Love intervention provides a practical means of exploring the impact of COVID‐19 on a hard‐to‐reach population.…”

What would you choose: Online or Offline or Mixed services? Feasibility of online HIV counselling and testing among Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women and factors associated with service uptake

“…Motivation and education‐based interventions through peer mobilizers and mass media campaigns could help tackle fear of testing. New technologies including online communication platforms and HIV self‐testing have shown potential to overcome structural barriers and increase access to HIV counselling and testing among KPs .…”