Development and implementation of an HIV/AIDS case management outcomes assessment programme

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute's Case Management Section coordinates services for people with HIV/AIDS.
• The Community Follow-Up Program (CFP) offers intensive case management to HIV-positive individuals and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a public/private partnership for outcomes assessment within the CFP.
• To detail the process of creating outcome indicators and measures.
• To present findings from two years of outcomes data.

Main Methods:

• A public/private partnership was established, involving CFP program managers.
• Outcome indicators and measures were collaboratively developed.
• Outcomes data were collected over a two-year period.

Main Results:

• The partnership successfully developed outcome indicators and measures.
• Two years of outcomes data were collected and analyzed.
• Provider involvement facilitated the outcomes assessment process.

Conclusions:

• Involving providers in identifying and measuring desired outcomes reduces resistance to assessment.
• Collaborative outcomes assessment ensures data are used to enhance program performance.
• This model can strengthen public/private partnerships in healthcare.