4095.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 3

Abstract #2285

Evaluation of an intervention designed to improve access to health services for chronic drug users

H. Virginia McCoy, PhD1, Sarah E. Messiah, MPH2, and Zhinuan Yu, PhD2. (1) College of Health, Department of Public Health, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151 Street, North Miami, FL 33181, (305)-919-5513, mccoyh@fiu.edu, (2) Comprehensive Drug Research Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1400 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Access to Health Services for Chronic Drug Users

Research Objectives: The Health Services Integration Model Intervention was designed to improve equitable access and utilization of the health care system for chronic drug users (CDUs). Study Design: Study experimental sites included a primary care clinic, an emergency room and a drug treatment facility in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Five control agencies for each study site were also included in the analysis. A total of 150 participants completed the intervention training sessions. Process evaluation data were collected from participants at all pre- and post-training events to determine levels of knowledge, motivation to make referrals for CDUs, and general understanding toward CDU patients. Principal Findings: Overall, as compared to the control agencies, the experimental agencies gained more insight into the needs of their CDU clients, made more efforts to improve their services for CDUs, and realized their limited capacity in serving CDUs as a result of the intervention. Also as a result of the intervention, a higher percentage of clients in all three experimental sites received services in HIV/AIDS testing, STD screening and counseling, family planning, and birth control. Conclusions: CDUs have few advocates to pave their entry into the health care system. This intervention shows encouraging potential to build bridges between CDUs and health care providers to link them to appropriate services. Results show a positive impact on the providers that will be responsible for the health care needs of CDUs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Recognize potential solutions for chronic drug users (CDUs) who often have inequitable access to the health care system. 2. Evaluate a systemic intervention designed to improve equitable access and utilization of the health care system for CDUs. 3. Appreciate the potential of a systems level intervention to build bridges between the health care system and CDUs

Keywords: Drug Use, Access to Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA