Understanding how the COVID-19 response affects the quality of care services for people living with HIV and communities affected by HIV

Background: In response to COVID-19 being declared a pandemic, concerns were raised about impacts on PLHIV, different communities affected by HIV and healthcare systems EATG collected several data reporting the disruptions but also responses at the level of community services To understand how quality of care was impacted, one question asked how appointments as part of HIV care were being dealt with and the other asked about communication between healthcare providers and HIV patients/PrEP users during the first months of the pandemic Materials/method: EATG conducted an online survey-based rapid assessment (RA) with a data collection period from 27 March to 3 April 2020 The questionnaire included quantitative and qualitative questions in English It was disseminated through EATG and AIDS Action Europe networks The results of the first survey informed the questions of the second RA which was also available in Russian and was disseminated from 27 April to 4 May 2020 The survey was addressed to PLHIV and communities most affected by HIV who are affiliated to organisations or as individuals Results: In the first RA, 14/27 survey respondents to the question reported their scheduled appointments with health services were cancelled/postponed, 11/18 had their future visits cancelled/postponed Disruption in HIV care was also observed in the second RA where 13/30 respondents reported healthcare provider-initiated contact about visits Disruptions to follow-up care were also confirmed While 35/52 respondents reported some communication with HIV healthcare providers, several (12/52) reported no interaction and 5/52 reported having no information about it (Figure 1) Regarding delayed routine testing, there is not always clear information on how and when viral load, CD4 count and blood tests will be rescheduled Conclusions: Several healthcare facilities have tried to maintain a link with their patients using telemedicine tools, as appointments were reportedly moved online, demonstrating innovative approaches used in place of regular practices With consultations cancelled, rather than postponed, appointments may be lost entirely, meaning people could be left behind or lost from follow-up at crucial points of treatment and care unless patients are proactive and knowledgeable about their needs