Differences in emergency department visit characteristics and resource utilization for persons with human immunodeficiency virus, 2018–2019 compared with 2009–2010

Abstract

Background: Extended life expectancy and increased age-related comorbidities among people living with HIV (PWH) have implications for emergency healthcare in the United States (US). This study analyzes a nationally representative sample of emergency department (ED) visits to explore changes in patient characteristics and resource utilization for PWH from 2009 to 10 to 2018-19. Methods: We conducted a repeated cross-sectional, survey-weighted, and descriptive analysis of pooled ED visit-level data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Results: The proportion of ED visits increased for PWH aged 55+, males, Hispanics, Medicare recipients, and residents of the South. ED visits for PWH exhibited significant increases in higher acuity levels of care at the triage, hypertensive symptoms, imaging, CT scans, and the number of medications. Conclusions: EDs can benefit from training in HIV and aging and additional clinical staff and support services to adequately address the increased visit frequency and resource utilization associated with the aging of PWH.