Retention in care is pivotal to preventing an AIDS diagnosis among people living with HIV. Poor adherence to scheduled primary care appointments is associated with negative health outcomes among HIV patients. The present study examined the impact of an automated appointment reminder system on primary medical care and behavioral health appointment attendance at an urban HIV clinic. The study employed data from appointments at NO/AIDS Task Force between January 15, 2012 and April 15, 2013. Appointments categorized as “attended” or “no show” during the study period were analyzed and findings suggested utilization of an automated appointment reminder system was associated with increased attendance to primary care and psychiatric appointments. Additional factors studied and found to be predictors of poor primary care and behavioral health appointment attendance were younger age and African American race. These findings suggest other urban HIV clinics should consider utilizing automated appointment reminder systems if their patient population has suitable phone access as it is an effective way to improve appointment adherence. / acase@tulane.edu

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