AEGiS-07IAC: National HIV prevention information service.

7th International AIDS Conference


Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

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National HIV prevention information service.

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:452 (abstract no. W.D.4259)
Bird K, Lucas G, Stevens C; National HIV Prevention Information Service, London, UK

OBJECTIVE: To improve the impact and effectiveness of prevention work through the provision of up to date and accurate information.

METHODS: The National HIV Prevention Information Service is a national information service for people working in HIV education and prevention that was launched in July 1990. NHPIS is unique in that it has been set up not only to increase users' access to information, but also to help them assess the meaning of new developments and their implications for prevention work. Using a wide range of specialist sources, NHPIS staff individually research each enquiry. In addition, NHPIS publishes briefings to stimulate or inform debate. By developing a dialogue with users, the service forms a central reference point for the exchange of information about prevention activities around the country. NHPIS was established and is funded by the Health Education Authority, the agency with responsibility for public education on HIV in the UK, as part of its programme of support to health educators. The service is based at North West Thames Regional Health Authority's HIV Project whose successful approach to local information provided the model for NHPIS.

RESULTS: NHPIS is attracting a large and steady clientele from the statutory and voluntary sectors engaged in a wide range of HIV education, training and prevention. It is proving to be especially important to those who work in relative isolation. In response to users' needs it is producing an induction pack for new workers.

CONCLUSIONS: NHPIS provides a model of information provision to workers who need data from a wide range of sources, and timely and accurate analysis of its implications. High user demand experienced by NHPIS demonstrates the need for specialist information services in HIV prevention. Future developments include creation of specialist databases on local prevention work.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV, HIV Infections, Health Education, Information Services, HIV-1, Health Services Needs and Demand, Forecasting, prevention & control, ICA7KWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hiv,hivinfections,healtheducation,informationservices,hiv-1,healthservicesneedsanddemand,forecasting,prevention&control,ica7
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WD4259

Copyright © 1991 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.