6th International AIDS Conference San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:349 (abstract no. Th.D.892)
Dixon P, DeBuono B, Carpenter C, Laurie J, Zinner S, Scott H; Brown University AIDS Program (BRUNAP), Providence, Rhode Island, USA

OBJECTIVE: To develop a humane, responsive program of institutional health care and long-term follow-up for HIV+ prisoners.

METHODS: All prisoners incarcerated in the RI Adult Correctional Institution (ACI), the only prison in the State, are tested for HIV at time of incarceration and, if initially HIV-, shortly before release from prison. An AIDS team, including one full-time nurse coordinator, a BRUNAP physician and a rotating Infectious Disease Fellow (IDF) provide HIV-related health care for all inmates, and arrange for appropriate follow-up by a BRUNAP physician.

RESULTS: In the last half of 1989, 204 newly incarcerated HIV+ inmates (roughly 8% of prison population) have been evaluated. The prevalence of HIV infection is greater in women than in men by a ratio of 3:1. The great majority of HIV+ persons released have obtained follow-up care arranged by the AIDS team. The program has enhanced the training of IDFs through experiences with HIV+ individuals in a non-tertiary care environment.

CONCLUSIONS: The collegial efforts of BRUNAP and the RIDH/C have greatly improved the access of HIV+ prisoners to expert medical care. The AIDS team has simplified the work of prison physicians and has significantly decreased the health care costs, as it has greatly reduced need for specialist consultations at outside facilities. It has provided an effective program of follow-up care which has been enthusiastically accepted by the HIV+ individuals. Such a collaborative University-State effort may prove equally valuable in other regions.

900620
ThD892

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