HIV/HCV Education

Functionality & Mechanism Developed by UT Health San Antonio, this tool delivers pedagogical content on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C (HCV). The system is structured for either self-directed patient use or provider-facilitated education sessions. The interface presents modules covering transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment. To reinforce learning, the design integrates teach-back questions at the conclusion of each module, a mechanism that assesses and confirms immediate knowledge acquisition. The content is optimized for high readability to support patient comprehension.

Evidence & Research Context

• The app was evaluated as an educational tool during community health screening events with a sample of primarily young, Hispanic adults (N=53).
• An integrated teach-back feature demonstrated high rates of short-term knowledge acquisition on core HIV/HCV topics.
• Key knowledge points retained included that HIV is incurable (91% correct), HCV primarily impacts the liver (87% correct), and HCV is curable (79% correct).
• User acceptability was robust, with participants rating the tool's utility at 4.8 out of 5 on a Likert scale.
• The associated research characterizes the app as an effective mechanism for delivering public health education in community-based settings.

Intended Use & Scope This tool is designed for health educators and clinical providers to facilitate patient education, or for direct patient use following a diagnosis. Its primary utility is to deliver foundational knowledge and reinforce understanding of HIV/HCV. The application is not a diagnostic or treatment-planning instrument and does not replace professional medical consultation.