Referral Systems to Integrate Health and Economic Strengthening Services for People with HIV: A Qualitative Assessment in Malawi

Linked clients to all community services that chose to be members of the referral network. LIFT conducted a thorough mapping of services and invited all interested organizations (government, CSO, NGO, etc.) to participate.

Clients were expected to complete referrals themselves.

Used CommCare, an mHealth app, for data collection and management.

Providers made referrals for one service at a time to promote completion of the referral.

There was no limit on the number of referrals a client could be given over time, although few (<1%) clients chose more than 1 referral.

Full range of ES/L/FS services were included, based on what already existed in the community. LIFT did not create new services.

Most popular services were microfinance, health, and government-supported services for agriculture and social welfare.

Linked clients directly from NCST sites to VSLA (clinic to community referral).

When food aid was available at NCST sites, clients were also referred to food aid (within health facility referral).

Clients were guided to VSLA by a referral volunteer to ensure completion.

Used paper referral tools for data collection and management.

Each client received one referral only.

The options for referral were from the NCST site to VSLA, or vice versa, with referrals given to food aid on a limited basis.

LIFT created VSLAs if none existed.