Does integration of HIV and SRH services achieve economies of scale and scope in practice? A cost function analysis of the Integra Initiative

Conclusions The results from this analysis reveal that contrary to expectation, efficiency gains from the integration of HIV and SRH services, if any, are likely to be modest. Efficiency gains are likely to be most achievable in settings that are currently delivering HIV and SRH services at a low scale with high levels of fixed costs. The presence of cost complementarities for only three service combinations implies that careful consideration of setting-specific clinical practices and the extent to which they can be combined should be made when deciding which services to integrate. Trial registration number NCT01694862.
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Tags: Health policy, Open access, Drugs: infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, Cervical cancer, Cervical screening, Contraception, Family planning, Gynecological cancer, Screening (oncology), HIV / AIDS, HIV infections, Vulvovaginal disorders, Screening (epidemiology) Source Type: research