Acceptability of electronic healthcare predictive analytics for HIV prevention: a qualitative study with men who have sex with men in New York City.

BACKGROUND

Large data sets, also known as "big data", shared in health information exchanges (HIEs), can be used in novel ways to advance health, including among communities at risk for HIV infection. We examined values and opinions about the acceptability of using electronic healthcare predictive analytics (eHPA) to promote HIV prevention in men who have sex with men (MSM). Our aims were twofold: (I) to evaluate the perspectives of MSM with diverse race/ethnicity and age on the acceptability of predictive analytics to determine individual HIV risk and (II) to determine acceptability of having targeted prevention messaging based upon those risk estimates sent directly to the consumer. Two of the authors facilitated 12 focus groups (n=57) with adult MSM without HIV, living in NYC. Groups were divided by ethnicity (Black, Latino, and White) and age (under 35 and 35 and over). Participants were recruited through HIV prevention sites, community-based organizations, social media, and Internet sites that serve these communities. Grounded theory methods were used to analyze the data with Dedoose.

RESULTS

We identified six main themes related to acceptability: (I) reach, relevance, and potential uptake of using predictive analytics to establish HIV risk and deliver targeted prevention messaging; (II) patient-provider communication; (III) public health and individual rights; (IV) perceptions of intervention effectiveness; (V) electronic health data security; and (VI) stigma. Within each thematic domain, MSM discussed concerns, benefits, and provided recommendations for implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

MSM in this study were supportive of the use of "big data" and technology to reach marginalized populations and improve public health, yet expressed concerns about the relevance, effectiveness, and security eHPA. Efforts to advance eHPA for HIV prevention should address these concerns, especially among the most-at-risk communities of color. Development of eHPA for HIV prevention should involve targeted messaging that addresses specific concerns regarding eHPA security, accuracy, and relevance.