Summary of Thursday

A summary of today (Thursday 17 September 2015)

Jeffery Klausner - new technologies and innovations to facilitate HIV prevention, testing and care

The future of health care is with mobile technology.

Primary prevention - exposure reduction

Directed us to look at a YouTube video (Willie and Twinkle) as being a good example of sexual health education for young people.

Healthvana - An app that acquires data from laboratory or clinician as evidence of health status. The app keeps the info for 3 months and men can use the information for sero sorting.

Gamesmanship is a way to engage people in health - gave example of a quit smoking game. Below are some other examples

 Play itsafe - on line game, with an avatar

Epic allies - game to improve medication adherence for young HIV pos black MSM.  Good for hard to reach populations, who don't have strong social support.

I got your back 

Secondary prevention

Testing

HIV and testing locators - to find and make appointments on line

Self testing - modest uptake in USA. Placed vending machine in car park of West Hollywood gay and lesbian centre. Is an option for people who don't want to engage with clinician. 

Vouchers - developed voucher system in partnership with pharmacy chain. 

Banner ad on Grindr - people don't take notice of banner ads so bought Blast ads which people have to click thru - and then can select which method they wish to receive self test.

Adherence

Weekly SMS messages improved viral load outcomes - the use of SMS messages emphasised the importance of caring for the patient

Oregon reminders - can set up own messages

Vancouver research - sent weekly SMS reminders to people with Viral load >200 - this intervention improved VL rates over time

At the AFAO Community Hub at lunchtime the panel of Max, Dean and Harry provided Victorian perspectives on their community conversations, strengthening PrEP in the next NSW HIV Strategy,  and Max on personal and professional perspectives of PrEP and the importance of men having a range of different prevention strategies. 

Issues discussed by the panel were accessibility, cost and standards of imported drugs.

Challenges - Max reported many conversations helping people find the words to start the conversation with their doctor- many have a fear of being judged by their doctor.

Key messages from today are the importance of community involvement in prevention programs, and the usefulness of new technologies to work with at risk groups of people.