Estimates show higher HIV transmission rates among people who are severely mentally ill (SMI) than the general population and comparable rates to other HIV risk populations. Yet, little has been done in the mental health service system to address HIV prevention among SMI. Our study focuses on case management as the ideal place to address HIV prevention. This multi-method research gathers information from case managers and other mental health professionals in a 27-county region in Pennsylvania to learn if and how HIV prevention may be a systematic part of case management. We present data from 2 methods: focus groups and surveys of case managers. These data indicate organizational and professional factors that need to be addressed to disseminate and institutionalize a strategy for HIV prevention in case management. We focus on similarities and differences in rural, suburban, and urban settings; integration of HIV prevention in everyday tasks performed by case managers; and case managers' perceptions about appropriate levels of HIV prevention that may be delivered by case managers (e.g., HIV education alone, HIV education and some intervention, or individual and small-group client interventions).
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will understand: 1. The extent of HIV transmission among the severely mentally ill (SMI) and the lack of concerted efforts to address HIV prevention among this population; 2. The triangulated research approach for learning about organizational and professional factors that affect the provision of HIV prevention in mental health case management; 3. Focus-group and survey data highlighting perceptions and feedback of case managers regarding the prevision of HIV prevention services in case management. 4.Possibile approaches for implementing HIV prevention discussions and services in mental health case management.
Keywords: Case Management, HIV Interventions
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.