Credentials of Corresponding Author
MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Name of Faculty Advisor
Dr. Audrey Klopp
Nature and scope of the project
This evidence-based project’s primary aim is to increase universal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening in patients between the ages of 13-64 in primary care by providing education to the providers and patients and implementing an electronic medical record alert (EMR). Using a patient survey, this project aims to examine the relationship between the patients’ demographics and their acceptance or refusal of HIV testing.
Synthesis and analysis of supporting literature
A synthesis of the literature supports that implementing an EMR alert and providing education to providers and patients will increase universal HIV screening in the primary care setting. Five studies assert implementing an EMR alert increases HIV screening tremendously in the primary care setting. The studies also conclude that providers do not screen patients for HIV because they have not been educated on updated CDC recommendations.
Project implementation
The project will be implemented at a privately owned primary care clinic named Superior Healthcare Centre in Arlington, Texas. The population will include patients between the ages of 13-64, two nurse practitioners, a physician, a secretary, and a medical assistant.
Evaluation criteria
Using the EMR Athenahealth, a chart audit will be performed every week to evaluate provider and patient compliance. Patients will receive a patient handout that will provide education, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An HIV testing patient survey will also be provided to patients to assess the relationship between the patients’ demographics and the acceptance or refusal of HIV testing. The HIV testing survey includes multiple-choice, true or false, and yes or no answers, created by Hamon, J. L. (2014).
Outcomes
Providing knowledge to the providers and patients about the importance of universal HIV screening and implementing an EMR alert will increase universal HIV screening in primary care. Providing an early diagnosis, linking care, initiating treatment early can decrease HIV transmission rates, decrease the progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and decrease morbidity and mortality.
Recommendations
This evidence-based project is currently ongoing; however, the anticipation is that the findings will support providing education, and implementing an EMR alert will increase HIV screening in primary care in patients 13-64 years of age.
Increasing Universal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening in Primary Care