Designing, implementing, and evaluating the Patient Navigation Model: Filling the gaps in the HIV continuum of care in Los Angeles County

Objective HIV treatment is only manageable with access to adequate medical care and effective treatment. Gardner et al. [1] developed a cascade of engagement, and retention in HIV care and treatment. The fundamental elements of the continuum of care were confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report of December 2, 2011. This report stated that only 19% of HIV-positive individuals have been able to attain viral suppression. Although various programs have utilized patient navigation, there is no evidence-based model that has been evaluated. Our intervention combines trained professionals conducting a minimum of four structured sessions with rigorous evaluation and cost analysis component in partnership with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.