Electronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinical reminder system improves adherence to practice guidelines among the University of Washington HIV Study Cohort

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Mar 15;36(6):803-11. doi: 10.1086/368085. Epub 2003 Mar 4.

Abstract

We conducted a prospective study of an electronic clinical reminder system in an academic medical center-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) specialty clinic. Published performance indicators were used to examine adherence to HIV practice guidelines before and after its implementation for 1204 patients. More than 90% of patients received CD4 cell count and HIV type 1 (HIV-1) RNA level monitoring every 3-6 months during both time periods, and approximately 80% of patients with a CD4 cell count nadir of <350 cells/mm(3) received highly active antiretroviral therapy. Patients were significantly more likely to receive prophylaxis against Mycobacterium avium complex (hazard ratio, 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-9.31; P=.003), to undergo annual cervical carcinoma screening (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.04-4.16; P=.04), and to undergo serological screening for Toxoplasma gondii (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.05-3.27; P=.03) and syphilis infection (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 2.37-5.81; P<.0001). HIV clinical reminders delivered at the time that HIV care is provided were associated with more timely initiation of recommended practices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cohort Studies
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • Reminder Systems*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • RNA, Viral