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Bibliographic Info

GuidelineWHO guidelines on the management of advanced HIV disease
Year of Publication2025
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization

Recommendation

Status
Updated

Recommended in favor

Conditional

Hospitalized people with HIV may be provided interventions to support transitions to outpatient care and reduce avoidable readmissions. Interventions may include:

  • pre-discharge goal setting
  • medication review
  • transitional care planning
  • telephone follow-up
  • home visits by health-care providers and/or peer supporters
  • individualized support.

Notes and Remarks

Certain activities, such as medical review and transitional care planning, should be considered as standard of care for all patients before hospital discharge. This includes ensuring that all patients are receiving ART and prophylaxis and have clear information about where to receive follow-up care. Differentiated approaches to support provision should be considered according to the presence of coinfections and comorbidities, including referral to mental health services as appropriate. Indirect support, such as nutritional assistance, can be considered as a way to strengthen care engagement (94). It is important to consider which cadres will provide post-discharge support and follow-up. Whenever possible, the existing health workforce could deliver the post-discharge interventions but with consideration of workforce capacity and sustainability. Peer counsellors, volunteers and support groups could also be engaged to provide support. Careful consideration should be given to the resources required for the support activity. This will vary according to context and should not divert resources away from other priority support needs. Referral mechanisms and optimal communication following discharge back to the peripheral clinic should be reinforced to ensure appropriate follow-up (such as continuation of fluconazole, TB treatment or switching ART regimen when indicated). Referral back to the hospital should be assured for the individuals whose condition deteriorates after discharge. Referral and assessment should not result in unwarranted delays in starting ART and prophylaxis.

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