Effective Use of Contact Tracking (CT) Significantly Reduces Loss to Follow-up

Background: Failure to adhere to ART therapy led to increase in clients’ morbidity, mortality and development of drug resistance leading to unsuccessful outcome. There was lack of systematic and coordinated process of tracking clients.
Method: CT system was introduced, developed and implemented in 2007 to reduce loss to follow-up and increase client retention in care. Contact Tracking Team (CTT) were trained and supported via mentoring on the use of standardized CT tools and ART register update.
The CTT began tracking defaulters monthly and later a day after a client misses a refill appointment. Clients who miss refill appointment are captured as defaulters and are tracked immediately.
Referral network was established through and they are mentored on linkages/referral services and on defaulter tracking.
RESULTS: Three years after, the number of clients lost to follow-up reduced from 370 in 2006 to 45 in 2010. 222 clients who were once lost to follow-up have been re-started on ARV. The formation of CTT improved working relationship between staff and successful CT outcomes.
Conclusion: Effective CT can increase the number of HIV clients retained in care and reduce loss to follow-up. Use of standardized CT tools enhances systematic documentation of clients for improved treatment outcomes.