Objectives: The Cohort Study is a longitudinal study of two groups of HIV-positive adults receiving HIV/AIDS primary care services at Title I and Title II-funded clinics in the Chicago metropolitan area. One cohort entered care during 1996-1997, the other during 1999-2000. Data regarding service need, service utilization, and patient outcomes are utilized to inform ongoing Title I and Title II needs assessment and priority setting activities in the Chicago EMA and the State of Illinois, respectively. Methods: Subjects are recruited from 17 HIV/AIDS primary care clinics throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Subjects participate in a structured baseline interview and a follow-up every six months thereafter which includes a survey of HIV specific services, general medical services, risk behavior related support services, the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index (QLI) and the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Results: As of December 2000, 97 interviews have been completed for the ‘96/'97 cohort and 79 for the ‘99/'00 cohort. Descriptive statistics from baseline and six-month follow-up exploring service need and service usage will be reported for both cohorts. Implications: Decisions about service priorities and funding allocations have often been made based on provider estimates of need. The Cohort study is providing specific client based data both about perceived needs from the clients and what services they have used. Results will provide date for stakeholders to make more informed choices about service allocations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:(1) discuss issues surrounding coordination of a multi-site study, including community IRB issues, site recruitment, and participant recruitment; (2) describe the process of creating a client-level structured interview format developed by Title I and Title II stakeholders; (3) identify how client-level data from a cohort study can inform community-driven needs assessment and priority setting activities; and (4) discuss analysis of service need and utilization data from cohorts at baseline and six-month follow-up.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Needs Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.