Abstract:

The Uganda National HIV viral load suppression prevalence of 59.6% is below the 95% target. The study conducted in in four health facilities of Jinja district, on 437 files of adult HIV clients with; missed appointments of more than two weeks, poor adherence to treatment of < 85%, and unsuppressed viral load of > 1000 viral copies per milliliter, between January and July 2019, was aimed at determining change packages to improve HIV care in the study health facilities. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and the following tested changes using the Deming PDSA cycles were used; Intensified health education, and adherence counseling to all patients with poor adherence, pill counting to harmonize the pills supplied with the appointment date, follow up phone calls to patients who miss appointment, creation of a one stop centre for HIV care, and increased staffing of HIV clinic. Study results showed a 13.6% prevalence of the study HIV care poor outcomes at baseline assessment. 11.8%, 65.2%, and 46.5% of the study client files were due to poor adherence to treatment, two weeks missed appointments, and unsuppressed viral load respectively at baseline assessment and 4.7%, 25.1%, and 31.5% respectively at end line assessment. 80% of the studied clients were retention in care between baseline and end line assessments. In conclusion, there was a positive effect on the patient HIV care out comes.

Keywords: Adherence to treatment, appointment keeping, and viral suppression in HIV care.

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