The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42433

Stephanie C. Kim, MPH, School of Public Health, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, Suite 1120, New York, NY 10032, 212-305-1777, ssc45@columbia.edu and Peter Messeri, PhD, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Sociomedical Sciences Division, Columbia University, 600 West 168 St, New York, NY 10032.

Learning Objectives:

• The integration of services through various means, including case management, the development of linkages between agencies, or the enhancement of existing services within an agency, have been encouraged to help meet the needs of people with complex illnesses such as mental illness or HIV/AIDS. It is not clear what is the best model to integrate services for these populations. It is assumed that service integration efforts will increase service utilization, resulting in better client outcomes but there is limited empirical data to support this. Past studies have shown that system level activities have led to increased access to and utilization of services. This study examines 33 HIV/AIDS demonstration service delivery models whose goals include integrating services for those with HIV/AIDS, especially those who are multiply diagnosed. Of the 33 projects, 88% engaged in case management, over 85% developed cooperative, coordinative, or collaborative activities, and 48% of the projects consolidated or integrated existing services. The exact strategies used to integrate services for these clients and their relationship to system level changes such as increased utilization of services will be explored. Organizational theory and past service integration conceptualizations help predict what strategies might be effective models for certain HIV populations. Contextual factors such as geographic dispersion of the service providers and the number of service providers in a network are also considered. Understanding more precisely what service and system level strategies are most suitable for multiply diagnosed individuals with HIV/AIDS provides insight in how to improve service delivery to this population.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.