HIV Treatment Continuity Technology Intervention Framework (TIF)

v0.4

This document is a work in progress. The interactions described are a moment in time snapshot of the interventions that are being used to help HIV patients stay in treatment. To provide input or feedback see How to Provide Feedback and Input on the TIF and Toolkit

Introduction to the HIV Treatment Continuity Technology Intervention Framework (TIF)

Welcome to the HIV Treatment Continuity Technology Intervention Framework (TIF). This document provides an overview of various technology-driven interventions designed to enhance the continuity of HIV treatment, including examples from multiple countries. By leveraging data and digital tools, these interventions aim to help ensure patients remain engaged in their HIV care, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes. The framework serves as a dynamic, evolving resource that captures a snapshot of interventions being employed globally to support HIV treatment retention. It includes detailed examples from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Eswatini, Botswana, and several others, illustrating how different regions adapt technology to their unique healthcare landscapes.

HIV TIF Framework Overview and Structure

The TIF is organized into three layers that provide a structured approach to cataloging and understanding technology interventions:

TIF Layers

The TIF is designed to support layers of information pertaining to the technology interventions.

Layer 1 - Touchpoint Interventions as noted in the diagram above occur in the follow points of the visit cycle:

	Outside the Visit	Strategies implemented before the patient arrives at a health facility, such as appointment reminders and pre-visit support.
	During the Visit	Interventions occurring during the patient’s interaction with the healthcare system, like visit management tools and adherence counseling.
	When an Appointment is Missed	Approaches to re-engage patients who have missed appointments, including outreach and follow-up reminders.

Touchpoint

interaction between parties involved in care delivery. It is part of the care/clinical process.

Patient Touchpoint: the care system ←→ patient

System Touchpoint: the care system ←→ other members of the system

Layer 2 - Intervention Categories

This layer groups similar interventions together, enabling easy comparison and analysis across different settings. Examples include population-based scheduling, congestion redistribution, and anticipatory guidance.

Layer 3 - Technology Intervention Descriptions

Each intervention is described in detail, offering a snapshot of the technology used, its implementation context, and specific characteristics. For instance, you will find descriptions of interventions like SMS reminders in Nigeria and data visualization in Tanzania, showcasing the diverse ways technology is used to support treatment continuity.

Intervention

specific approach using data/HIT to support touchpoint. Examples: paper register, SMS message, decision support reminder, phone call.

We want to understand data approaches to the care process

More about the HIV TIF

The TIF is more than just a catalog of interventions; it is a tool for understanding how digital and data-driven approaches are being implemented across various settings. It allows stakeholders to compare and contrast different interventions, identify trends, and synthesize practice-based evidence. By using a common framework, the TIF facilitates a shared understanding among implementers, helping to surface best practices and areas for improvement.

However, it is important to note what the TIF is not. It does not attempt to describe the entire HIV care cascade or serve as a formal conceptual model. Rather, it focuses specifically on technology interventions and their role in supporting HIV treatment continuity.

Examples of Technology Interventions

Throughout the document, you will find detailed examples of interventions from different countries:

• Pre-Appointment Support in Nigeria: An SMS reminder system integrated with patient appointment lists to ensure patients attend their scheduled visits.
• EMR Development in South Sudan: A system that tracks patients across the continuum of care, helping providers manage patient data effectively.
• Data Analysis and Visualizations in Tanzania: Tools that provide detailed insights into HIV care and treatment data, enabling better decision-making at the national level.
• Missed Appointment Management in Kenya: Automated systems for tracking and re-engaging patients who have missed appointments, improving retention rates.

These examples highlight the diversity and creativity in how different regions approach the challenge of maintaining HIV treatment continuity.

Conclusion

The HIV Treatment Continuity Technology Intervention Framework (TIF) is an essential resource for anyone involved in the design, implementation, or evaluation of digital health interventions for HIV care. By providing a structured overview of current practices and detailed case studies from around the world, the TIF helps to foster a deeper understanding of how technology can be leveraged to keep patients engaged in their treatment and care. We invite you to explore the examples provided, contribute feedback, and consider how these interventions can be adapted or scaled in your context.