Insights, experiences, and perspectives on the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis in people with advanced HIV disease in Porto Alegre

The objective of this study was to describe insights, experiences and perspectives around the feasibility of implementing a package for the rapid diagnosis of frequent opportunistic infections among patients with advanced HIV, in order to support the development and implementation of HIV care policies. The study was carried out between June 30 and October 30, 2023, comprising two focus groups with health professionals involved in the rapid diagnosis intervention (n=10); four in-depth interviews with health managers dedicated to HIV care policies; and 12 interviews with patients with advanced HIV. The intervention in question was considered relevant for allowing a more timely diagnosis of diseases that are difficult to investigate.