Establishing effective partnerships among case managers and clinicians to improve linkage to and engagement in HIV care: A scoping review

HIV continues to pose significant health challenges globally, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Sub-Saharan Africa, which bears the brunt of the epidemic. The HIV care continuum, encompassing testing, linkage to care, retention, and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence, is critical in reducing morbidity and mortality while improving the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Despite its potential, key HIV care continuum events such as linkage to treatment, retention in care and adherence remain substantial challenges due to barriers such as stigma, socio-economic inequalities, and systemic inefficiencies. This scoping review explores effective partnerships between clinicians and case managers to address these challenges. Using a Joanna Briggs Institute framework and population, concept and context (PCC) guidelines, 31 studies were analyzed, highlighting successful collaborative models, barriers, and facilitators in implementing effective HIV care. Results gotten from the review highlight the importance of role clarity, interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations, and patient-centered models integrating clinical and psychosocial support. Case managers, by addressing logistical challenges, complement clinicians’ medical expertise, resulting in improved ART adherence and retention. Effective interventions, such as holistic care models and community-based programs, were found to mitigate barriers like stigma and housing instability, and resource constraints. Recommendations call for enhanced training, clear role definitions, and policies fostering collaboration between case managers and clinicians to optimize care delivery. Strengthening these partnerships between clinicians and case managers is essential for the HIV care continuum and achieving better health outcomes for PLHIV.