Diagnostics
Syphilis/HIV Early Rapid Response (SHIVER): Community-Driven Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Across Diverse Sites in Saskatchewan, Canada
By Cara Spence, Visna Rampersad, Nicole Williamson and 10 others.
Abstract
Background
Saskatchewan faces a growing public health challenge, with outbreaks of infectious syphilis and a continued increase in new HIV diagnoses. Rural, remote, and underserved populations experience disproportionate burdens due to barriers to timely testing, diagnosis, treatment, and linkage to care. The Syphilis/HIV Early Rapid Response (SHIVER) project implemented an innovative point-of-care testing (POCT) and treatment model to improve access to rapid diagnosis, immediate treatment, and care for individuals in inner-city, rural, remote, and underserved communities across Saskatchewan, Canada.
Methods
Individuals aged ≥16 years were offered POCT for syphilis and/or HIV based on non-random criteria. Standard serology was collected according to provincial guidelines. Participants with a positive syphilis POCT result were offered immediate treatment, when appropriate, and follow-up testing. Those with a positive HIV POCT received counselling, confirmatory testing, and expedited linkage to care.