A qualitative evaluation of an HIV/AIDS respite care service in Victoria, Canada

The Victoria AIDS Respite Care Society (VARCS) has provided respite care to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) since 1991. In 1998, an evaluation of VARCS services was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the VARCS model of community-based care. The evaluation was comprised of four components including an examination of the historical evolution of VARCS, an account of the community development processes used, a description of VARCS services, and an analysis of the impact and outcomes of VARCS services. This article highlights qualitative findings from the impact and outcomes component of this study. Guided by principles of participatory action research, this project included interviews with 85 participants. Eight themes emerged from the analysis that appeared to speak to the qualitative impact and outcomes of VARCS service. Actions taken by VARCS as a result of the evaluation findings are discussed as are the study limitations.