Evaluation of the POP-UP programme: a multicomponent model of care for people living with HIV with homelessness or unstable housing

Abstract

Objective: Homelessness is the greatest risk factor for HIV viremia in San Francisco. Innovative care models for people with HIV (PWH) with homelessness or unstable housing (HUH) are needed to address this inequity. We developed a novel low-barrier clinic-based program for PWH-HUH in an urban safety-net clinic ('POP-UP') and report outcomes on care engagement and viral suppression.Design: A prospective cohort study.Setting: San Francisco General Hospital HIV Clinic (Ward 86).Participants: We enrolled PWH who are HUH, viraemic and for whom usual care is not working (at least one missed primary care appointment and at least two drop-in visits at Ward 86 in the last year).Intervention: POP-UP provides drop-in comprehensive primary care, housing assistance and case management, financial incentives and patient navigation with frequent contact. Main outcome measures:We describe uptake of eligible patients into POP-UP, and cumulative incidence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, return to care and virologic suppression 6 months post-enrolment, estimated via Kaplan-Meier.Results: Out of 192 referred patients, 152 were eligible, and 75 enrolled. All 75 were off ART and viraemic; 100% had a substance use disorder; and 77% had a mental health diagnosis. Over three-quarters restarted ART within 7 days of enrolment, and 91% returned for follow-up within 90 days. The cumulative incidence of viral suppression at 6 months was 55% (95% confidence interval 43-68).

Brief Report: Heterogeneous Preferences for Care Engagement Among People With HIV Experiencing Homelessness or Unstable Housing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…2 Innovative care models are needed to address the unique care needs and improve viral suppression of this vulnerable population. 1,3,4…”

Effect of Social Determinants of Health on Uncontrolled Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection Among Persons With HIV in San Francisco, California

“…This study observed PWH residing in census tracts with worse SDH metric measures and those experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable. Innovative programs to engage PWH living in these marginalized neighborhoods and people experiencing homelessness are needed [ 32 ].…”

Impact of Multicomponent Support Strategies on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Virologic Suppression Rates During Coronavirus Disease 2019: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis

“…San Francisco plans to extend SIP hotels through September 2022 and has committed to providing offers of permanent housing to individuals currently staying in SIP hotels. Increases in supportive housing [ 28 ] and targeted programs that seek to meet the unique needs of housing-insecure PLWH, including outreach, in-person drop-in availability, and incentives [ 29 ], will likely be needed to make further gains.…”