Development of a model longitudinal data base to measure outcomes and quality of care among persons with AIDS.
Not only are advances being made in delaying the virulent course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but preventive measures are now available to eliminate or delay opportunistic infections related to HIV. Changes in the treatment of HIV-related diseases have shifted the focus from inpatient to community care. However, questions exist whether these gains in treatment outcomes will be available to all persons with HIV infection and whether uniform standards of care will be established and maintained among health care providers. In Maryland, and automated AIDS information system, HIVIS, consisting of administrative data bases and medical records systems, is used to measure health and social services costs and utilization and to assess their accessibility, quality and effectiveness. Since these data bases are available in other states, HIVIS serves as a model which may be implemented elsewhere for AIDS and other diseases.
Hidalgo
J
J
Center for AIDS Services Planning and Development, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore 21201.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008396:Maryland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011635:Public Health Administration; D011787:Quality of Health Care