Sita Lujintanon, Catherine R Lesko, Nel Jason L Haw, Matthew D Hickey, Lauren C Zalla, Christin Kilcrease, Janet Grochowski, Lucas A Hill, Edward R Cachay, Jehan Z Budak, Heidi M Crane, Julia Fleming, Kenneth H Mayer, Sarah E Rutstein, Barbarajean Turner, Christa Nevin, Greer A Burkholder, Nan Wang, George A Yendewa, Ryan Moss, April Pettit, Allan E Rodriguez, Mallory O Johnson, Katerina A Christopoulos
Barriers related to insurance coverage and drug procurement impacted the number of PWH prescribed LA-CAB/RPV as did processes to plan for, and adapt to, these barriers. Scale-up efforts should consider team coordination and EHR-facilitated tracking to support the growing number of PWH on LA-CAB/RPV.
BACKGROUND: Implementation of long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) has been challenging and may limit its uptake. We describe the number of people with HIV (PWH) prescribed LA-CAB/RPV at 9 US academic HIV clinics in the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems and clinic-level variation in LA-CAB/RPV prescriptions.
METHODS: Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, we analyzed clinical cohort data of PWH prescribed LA-CAB/RPV, then conducted key informant surveys to ascertain each clinic's Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment phase in conjunction with implementation determinants mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. We stratified the cohort analysis by phase.
RESULTS: Between 21-Jan-2021 and 30-Sep-2024, 1,451 (6%) of 22,379 PWH in care were prescribed LA-CAB/RPV. Among those prescribed, 15% had baseline viral load ≥200 copies/mL (200/1,451). Two sustainment-phase clinics that experienced fewer insurance-related barriers, planned prior to LA-CAB/RPV availability, had a pharmacy team coordinating LA-CAB/RPV services, and customized the electronic health record (EHR) system to track insurance approvals and/or injection appointments prescribed LA-CAB/RPV to 16% (924/5,638) of PWH in care. Four sustainment-phase clinics that had a mix of payor coverage and insurance plans, and adequate staffing prescribed to 3% (213/8,154). Three implementation-phase clinics with difficulty procuring LA-CAB/RPV due to restrictive insurance coverage and/or hospital policy and staffing challenges prescribed to 4% (314/8,587).
CONCLUSIONS: Barriers related to insurance coverage and drug procurement impacted the number of PWH prescribed LA-CAB/RPV as did processes to plan for, and adapt to, these barriers. Scale-up efforts should consider team coordination and EHR-facilitated tracking to support the growing number of PWH on LA-CAB/RPV.