Human-centered design of a smartphone-based self-test for HIV viral load monitoring.

Background/Objective: HIV viral load self-testing could enable people living with HIV (PLHIV) to monitor their viral suppression status more easily, potentially facilitating medication adherence and safe behavior decision-making. Smartphone-based viral load testing innovations have the potential to reach resource-limited and vulnerable communities to address inequities in access to HIV care. However, successful development and translation of these tests requires meaningful investigation of end-user contexts and incorporation of those context-specific needs early in the design process. The objective of this study is to engage PLHIV and HIV healthcare providers in human-centered design research to inform key design and implementation considerations for a smartphone-based HIV viral load self-testing device prototype in development. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with PLHIV ( Results: Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed important benefits, concerns, and user requirements for smartphone-based HIV VL self-testing within the context of PLHIV lived experience, knowledge, and barriers to care in Indiana. Conclusion: End-user needs and preferences were identified as key design specifications and implementation considerations to facilitate the acceptability and inform ongoing development and ultimately real-world translation of the HIV VL monitoring device prototype.