Addressing HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis in high-risk populations through a Program Collaboration and Service Integration (PCSI) Workgroup

Background: Program collaboration and service integration (PCSI) is a major area of interest in terms of improving efficiency, flexibility, communication, effectiveness, and accountability across infectious disease programs. HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis programs are of particular interest, given the overlap in risk factors and target populations for these diseases. To better address and serve high-risk populations, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) Division of Disease Control (DDC) established a PCSI workgroup in May 2008. Objective: To establish a workgroup and assess the status of integration between HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis programs, to understand how this level of integration was achieved, to identify key stakeholders and necessary components to successful integration, to facilitate integration through communication and meetings, and to develop methods to sustain integration. Methods: Quarterly workgroup meetings were held to discuss PCSI, create feasible goals, report progress, and address barriers. Structured key informant interviews with HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis program staff were conducted to assess how these programs were integrating. Results: Assessments revealed a higher degree of PCSI than anticipated. Action steps, barriers, and key players were identified. Necessary components to a sustained integration effort were identified, particularly the importance of creating buy-in among workgroup members and commitment to establishing a formal operational structure. Conclusion: HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis programs at PDPH identified opportunities for further program collaboration and integration that could improve patient access to services and create a more efficient and comprehensive public health system.