The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54373

Elizabeth Sommers, MPH, LicAc, Research Dept., AIDS CARE PROJECT, 140 Clarendon Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, 617-859-3036 ext. 24, bsommers@pathwaystcm.org

The AIDS Care Project (ACP) Acupuncture Clinic opened in 1989 in response to community demand for acupuncture services by people living with HIV/AIDS. Since that time, a clinical network evolved that has provided treatment for over 3000 individuals throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. ACP has forged innovative alliances with all sectors of the health care establishment, including hospitals and community health centers as well as public health departments, local Visiting Nurses Associations, third party payers and area universities. These partnerships collaborate to identify indicators and outcome measures to assess the efficacy of acupuncture treatment and to evaluate whether it may result in cost saving to public payers. Central to ACP’s public health model is the client-focused approach based on consumers’ involvement in all aspects of care delivery. Consumer input from a Client Advisory Board is essential to meaningfully address issues of access as well as providing affordable and appropriate care. Input from this group influences all aspects of programming, including ACP’s research and evaluation agenda. This workshop will describe the types of partnerships that contribute to the model’s success, as well as the evolution of the model to include services for all individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, developing state-wide standards of care with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and international projects and collaborations.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.To familiarize participants with how acupuncture is used in the treatment of people with HIV/AIDS
• 2.To provide participants with some models of how to evaluate treatment efficacy and cost efficacy of acupuncture
• 3.To demonstrate strategies that provide access, affordable treatment and appropriate services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Alternative Medicine/Therapies

Related Web page: www.pathwaystcm.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: AIDS Care Project
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed as Research Director