PLUSCARE: A MOBILE PLATFORM DESIGNED TO INCREASE LINKAGE TO CARE FOR YOUTH LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Mortality and morbidity in perinatally- and behaviorally-infected youth living with HIV (YLH) remain elevated relative to adults, in part due to poor HIV management, linkage to care, and medication adherence. While case management is the universal standard in the U.S. to support YLH in achieving HIV care outcomes, medical, psychosocial, and logistical barriers impede successful medical management. Mobile health technology provides an opportunity to improve linkage to care for YLH by aiding case management. We conducted a two-part study using a user-centered design framework to develop PlusCare - a novel mobile application (app) system to support case management of YLH.