Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives of Participants Who Received Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir-Rilpivirine at Home or in Clinic

Abstract

Injectable antiretroviral options for the treatment of HIV-1 infection have demonstrated the potential to reduce pill fatigue, improve medication adherence, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce stigma compared to oral antiretroviral therapy. In a recent non-randomized observational study, we previously examined safety and efficacy outcomes for participants who chose where to receive long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine over a 12-month period. This study demonstrated that at-home administration of long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine by a home health provider was comparably safe, effective, and associated with high satisfaction compared to in-clinic administration. To further understand the experience and impact of this intervention from the perspective of study participants, we analyzed quantitative end-of-intervention surveys and qualitative exit interviews offered to study participants after completion of the intervention. Using a grounded theory approach to analyze exit interviews, we conducted an iterative process of establishing codes, grouping the codes into key concepts, and organizing concepts into broader themes. We identified six broad themes related to the participant experience that involved (1) strengths of injectable therapy, (2) negatives of injectable therapy, (3) treatment setting preference, (4) reasons for preferring injectable therapy at home, (5) reasons for preferring injectable therapy in the clinic, and (6) general impressions related to injectable therapy. This work provides insight into patient perceptions and preferences regarding injectable HIV therapy, perspectives that will be important to consider for efforts designed to enhance accessibility of injectable HIV therapy and optimize the patient experience.