AEGiS-14IAC: Using performance data for self-advocacy skills to enhance the quality of services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Using performance data for self-advocacy skills to enhance the quality of services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12497)

Steinbock C, Rukeyser J, Houston S, Agins B
New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, New York, United States

ISSUES: Quality of HIV care is the most important factor for people living with HIV/AIDS in their choice of medical provider. In the summer of 2000, for the first time, the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute published a report comparing over 120 HIV programs from 1996-1998. A detailed brochure for providers and a companion guide for consumers have been developed to clearly explain each measure and offer guidance in the interpretation of the comparative performance data. HIV specific measures included CD4 count, Viral Load Measurement, usage of HAART, PCP Prophylaxis and Annual Pelvic Exam. Consumer awareness and utilization of the guide was less than anticipated. Many consumers were unfamiliar with the consumer's guide and its potential use to help them attain the highest quality of HIV care. In response a consumer curriculum was developed specifically to empower HIV patients and the HIV community in making educated decisions to enhance the quality of their health care.

DESCRIPTION: Consumer focus groups were conducted throughout the State as well as interviews with health care providers, key informants, and consumer advocates to develop the curriculum. The modular curriculum with facilitator instructions is highly interactive requiring little or no reading on the part of participants. Key components include opportunities for participants to combine their learning with skill development in the practice of self-advocacy techniques.

ISSUES: In addition to easily accessible consumer reports, the release of performance data necessitates face-to-face training sessions for consumers that include modules to develop skills for self-advocacy. RECOMMENDATION: A curriculum can enhance services for consumers through the use of interactive exercises such as self-assessment of personal quality of care factors and role-play to advocate for quality health care.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, CD4 Lymphocyte Count, Delivery of Health Care, Curriculum, Community Health Services, Interviews, Choice Behavior, Clinical Competence, Education, Nursing, Continuing, New York, Human, utilization, education, drug effects

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G12497