SmartHIV Manager: a web-based computer simulation system for better management of HIV services

Abstract

Background: Life-changing developments enabled people living with HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) to live a relatively normal life like the general population. However, there is not any user-friendly platform that enables key decision-makers to assess scenarios for improvement. Therefore, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the potentials of a web-based simulation system for effective and efficient management of HIV services. Methods: SmartHIV Manager is a web-based interactive planning platform for management of HIV services. Discrete event simulation technique is used to capture real-life HIV patients through HIV care continuum and all the resources needed. Patient flow information from HIV caregivers in three HIV treatment centres in Kenya and Nigeria was tested and validated. A total of 93 input parameters were established in the HIV pathway of care. Dashboards, which are fed by the simulation outcomes, were prepared to assess the impact of several interventions. The dashboard components include graphs and tables on service demand and utilization, preventive strategies, UNAIDS (the joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS) 90-90-90 goals, human resource management, budgeting and financial planning. Results: The usefulness and functionalities of the system is demonstrated on capacity planning in prevention programmes and UNAIDS 90-90-90 target. We ran scenarios based on increasing prevention measures and increasing the number of people on treatment to reach UNAIDS 90-90-90 target for a service in Nigeria. More cases are expected to be averted, where naïve patients reduced due to prevention measures. As the service struggled to achieve UNAIDS target, necessary outputs were generated, in the form of required resources to reach the target by 2025 and assessed the overall impact on service outcomes. Conclusions: A novel simulation powered technology is developed for effective HIV/AIDS management and control. This would give a robust patient care which can be properly evaluated and predicted in interventional implementation for appropriate policy directions.