Whitman-Walker launches clinical trial aimed at improving HIV care

The Washington, D.C.-based Whitman-Walker Clinic, one of the nation's largest HIV care centers, has launched a five-year clinical trial aimed at eliminating barriers to HIV care and helping clinic patients better keep appointments with their health care providers, The Washington Post reports. Among the specific areas the clinic will be address are substance abuse, mental health issues, and unemployment, all of which can keep HIV-positive people from sticking to regular care, say clinic officials. The trial, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, will pair more than 100 Whitman-Walker clients with retention care coordinators who give patients appointment reminders, provide transportation to clinic appointments, and help patients with any health care access problems they may encounter. The study will gauge whether having consistent support will help clinic patients keep their appointments, stick to their antiretroviral regimens, and remain in better health.