Table 5 Effect of alternative models of antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery on the HIV health worker-to-patient ratio and overall salary costs for universal access to HIV treatment in South Africa

Baseline

1.2 (0.8 to 1.6)

2.1 (1.3 to 2.9)

0.2 (0.1 to 0.2)

NA

Decrease visit frequency to:

Every 2 months

0.7 (0.5 to 0.9)

1.2 (0.7 to 1.6)

0.2 (0.1 to 0.2)

36

Every 3 months

0.5 (0.3 to 0.6)

0.8 (0.5 to 1.1)

0.2 (0.1 to 0.2)

50

Every 4 months

0.3 (0.2 to 0.5)

0.6 (0.4 to 0.8)

0.2 (0.1 to 0.2)

57

Decrease frequency of nurses per visit to:

Every 2 months

0.7 (0.5 to 0.9)

2.1 (1.3 to 2.9)

2.0 (1.5 to 2.6)

24

Every 3 months

0.5 (0.3 to 0.6)

2.1 (1.3 to 2.9)

2.0 (1.5 to 2.6)

33

Every 4 months

0.3 (0.2 to 0.5)

2.1 (1.3 to 2.9)

2.0 (1.5 to 2.6)

38

Nurse-initiated treatment

1.3 (1.0 to 1.7)

2.1 (1.3 to 2.9)

NA

7