Improvements in Correctional HIV Services: A Case Study in Delaware.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Correctional Healthcare
• HIV/AIDS Services

Background:

• Improving HIV services in correctional settings is crucial for public health.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supports research on HIV services in criminal justice settings.
• Linkage to care for individuals with HIV after release from incarceration remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a change team model in enhancing HIV services within the Delaware correctional system.
• To improve the continuum of HIV care for individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies (CJ-DATS) HIV Services and Treatment Implementation in Corrections protocol.
• Formation of a multidisciplinary change team with representatives from correctional and community agencies.
• Focus on improving HIV linkage to care, education, and testing services.

Main Results:

• The change team successfully improved multiple aspects of the HIV service continuum.
• Enhanced linkage to HIV care for individuals released from incarceration.
• Increased HIV education and testing rates within the correctional setting.

Conclusions:

• The change team model is a viable strategy for driving organizational change in correctional healthcare.
• Interagency collaboration is key to improving HIV service delivery in correctional settings.
• Sustained efforts can lead to better health outcomes for justice-involved individuals with HIV.