HIV/AIDS has disproportionally affected marginalized and stigmatized people in Arkansas, as well as across the US. The state exhibits many of the nationwide trends, including an alarming increase in cases among heterosexuals, women and minorities. Due to escalating demand and barriers to care in our service area, JCCSI received Ryan White Care Act funding to test an innovative delivery model designed to strengthen resiliency factors among people living with HIV and to reduce access barriers to necessary medical and supportive care services.
The project is a randomized, quasi-experimental study with 3 patient groups: a control group (n=50) who receive customary care (CC), treatment group "A" (n=50) who receive CC and enhanced case management (ECM), and treatment group "B" (n=50) who receive CC, ECM and mental health/psycho- social services and skill building activities. Data is collected at 6 month intervals.
The results include the following: (1) The groups are statistically similar at baseline; (2) At follow-up both treatment groups had improved access to housing and transportation services, and financial assistance. Treatment group B had the greatest change and improved access to mental health and psycho-social services. (3) Improved clinical outcomes occurred in both treatment groups. Group B had the best outcomes (decreased viral load, increased CD4 counts and medication adherence). These and other statistically significant results indicate that the integrated delivery system increased assess to medical and supportive care services in minorities with HIV and improved clinical outcomes.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn about an innovative delivery model which is applicable in many health care settings. 2. Participants will see how behavioral skill building activities can enhance medication adherence and clinical outcomes. 3. Participants will understand how important ancillary services are to clinical outcomes
Keywords: HIV Interventions, Access and Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.