Evaluation and Comparison of HIV/AIDS Indicators for Clinical Care Quality Assessment

Background The use of quality indicators in healthcare systems is one of the factors that improve the quality of health services. However, indicators for assessing human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) clinical care in the context of low- and middle-income countries are not defined. This study aims to assess and compare the clinical pertinent and practice utility of these indicators from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs) specializing in HIV and AIDS care in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Republic of South Africa (RSA). Methods After a systematic review of quality indicators for HIV and AIDS clinical care, we conducted an observational cross-sectional study where 30 HCPs in DRC and 25 in RSA completed 2 questionnaires to identify the most relevant and practical indicators. A Likert scale was used for ranking. Results From the initial list of 88 quality indicators, 50 were identified by HCPs in both countries, DRC and RSA as the most relevant and practical in HIV and AIDS clinical care. However, 7 indicators were considered most pertinent and useful by HCPs from RSA, although HCPs from DRC considered 2 indicators to be most pertinent and useful. Conclusions This instrument lays the groundwork for broader research to guide care guidelines in resource-limited countries, aiding HIV professionals in improving care quality for patients with HIV and AIDS.