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Background: NCSD and NASTAD, funded by the MAC AIDS Fund, have convened a panel of medical experts to provide input on the design of an Optimal Care Check-list for providers and Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). Gay and Bisexual Men continue to be the population most severely impacted by HIV and the only population in which new HIV infections have been increasing steadily since the 1990s. In particular, between 2006-2009, young black gay, bisexual or MSM (13-29) have seen 48 percent increase in HIV infections.
Objectives: The release of recent HIV Incidence data, highlight the imperative need to address stigma and other barriers impeding effective policies, prevention messages, and patient-centered care for MSM. The Checklist would serve as a tool to familiarize providers with the unique implications for MSM patient-centered care, particularly for Black and Latino gay and bisexual men.
Methods: Various Black and Latino men’s health-articles and a MSM toolkit were examined in the construction of the Optimal Care Check-list. NCSD and NASTAD approached several national experts on Black and Latino MSM health for their feedback. Additionally, service providers who serve Black and Latino men who have sex with men were surveyed for the sexual health services and tests they felt necessary in promoting positive health outcomes, safer sex practices and the normalization of MSM patient-centered care.
Results: The Optimal Care Check-list will be released to a minimum of 100 providers and made available at the STD prevention conference.
Conclusions: NCSD and NASTAD will continue to mobilize jurisdictions around anti-stigma initiatives and policies with a goal of increasing access to effective tools and resources that facilitate optimal care.
Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: The Optimal Care Check-list will be one more tool our members can utilize in facilitating the standardization of MSM patient-centered care.