"The START (a Streamlined ART Initiation Strategy) Study"

"INTERVENTION: START is clinic-level (not individual-patient) intervention to catalyze the process of ART initiation among HIV-infected adults who meet CD4-based criteria for combination ART (e.g., adults with a CD4 T cell level \< 350/ul). The three START components are: (1) real-time point-of-care CD4 testing using the Alere PIMA platform to ascertain treatment eligibility in real time at first presentation to care, (2)targeted knowledge transfer(i.e., dissemination) of recent scientific evidence regarding effects rapid ART initiation on survival to front line health care workers; and 3)feedback and reporting to clinic and providers. There three components represent empirically validated steps in the PRECEED implementation model.~This intervention will be implemented at all Makerere Joint AIDS Program (MJAP) clinics in Kampala and Mbarara districts in a step-wedge design."