The Albion Street Centre database, Sydney, Australia

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Established in 1985, the Albion Street Centre has managed approximately 3,600 people with HIV/AIDS.
• The Centre screens over 22,000 individuals for HIV and other blood-borne infections.
• Currently, 1,600 patients with HIV are managed by 60 healthcare professionals and 1,000 volunteers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development and utilization of a comprehensive database for HIV/AIDS management and research.
• To highlight the database's role in clinical trials, patient monitoring, and public health initiatives.
• To demonstrate the database's contribution to understanding HIV natural history and treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Collection of over 700 variables at initial visits and up to 200 at subsequent visits for each HIV-positive patient.
• Data includes demographic, epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and psychosocial information.
• De-identified data is secured with multiple password codes, with specific criteria for individual record access.

Main Results:

• The database has supported over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• 45 clinical trials have utilized the database to identify study participants.
• Monthly reports on patient demographics and characteristics inform service planning and program effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The Albion Street Centre's database is a dynamic and essential tool for patient assessment, management, and research.
• It facilitates early intervention, tracks disease progression, and supports investigations into treatment outcomes and nutritional impact.
• The database is integral to the Centre's operations, utilized by all professional staff for comprehensive HIV care.