Nupur Gupta, DO, MPH, has been awarded funding in the amount of $450,000 for a three-year grant award by the JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) via the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HIV/AIDS Bureau entitled “Telehealth Strategies to Maximize HIV Care.” This proposal was submitted in response to the Request for Proposals entitled “Telehealth Strategies to Maximize HIV Care Advancing Equity through Telehealth Coordination in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.”
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside’s HIV Program serves nearly 1,600 persons with HIV (PWH). This study will evaluate and enhance provision of HIV primary care services via telehealth to PWH residing in the 11 counties of southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as for a limited number of PWH residing in southeastern Ohio and the panhandle of West Virginia.
There are two prongs to the current telehealth model. One approach is the video-to-home visits whereby the patient may attend the visit from their home. The second approach is the utilization of UPMC tele- consult centers located in various rural areas of Pennsylvania. The patient arrives to the clinic and conducts a visit with an HIV specialist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the aid of a local tele-presenter. Both of these telehealth strategies will be implemented in this project. The telehealth model will be enhanced by the assistance of PACT staff who will facilitate patient navigation and internal coordination strategies. We will primarily involve patients over the age of 50 years and those living in rural areas. Patient enrollment will be facilitated with the help of our providers, staff, peer advocate, and existing patient-centered organizations such as a community advisory board. The evaluation of the project will be conducted in coordination with JSI to truly understand who among those with HIV utilize telemedicine and where the gaps exist in accessing telemedicine.
Congratulations Nupur!