A Novel Index for Predicting HIV Care Retention

Engagement in care is an important determinant of good clinical outcomes for HIV infection. Loss to follow-up has been identified as an important obstacle to achieving higher rates of sustained viral suppression, but validated prospective assessments of risk for and interventions to prevent disengagement are not currently available. To identify perceptions of engagement before poor outcomes occur, investigators developed and assessed a patient-centered questionnaire. Using input from patients and providers, the investigators evaluated numerous questions and combinations, resulting in a final 10-item measure of self-reported engagement in care, including 5 possible responses per question, resulting in an HIV Index score. The index was valida…