Evaluation of a system designed to link people living with HIV/AIDS with mental health services at an AIDS-service organization
Feldman, M.B.; Weinberg, G.S.; Wu, E.
Evaluation and Program Planning 35(1): 133-138
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1873-7870 PMID: 22054533 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2011.08.005Document Number: 210475
This study evaluated the Rapid Response System, an initiative designed to link people living with HIV/AIDS with mental health services at an AIDS service organization. Data were extracted from agency records for 314 clients who had contact with the Rapid Response System over a 6-month period. Of the 281 clients who scheduled an appointment for an evaluation to initiate mental health services, 64% completed the evaluation. In the multivariate analysis, Latinos were significantly less likely than whites to complete the mental health evaluation. Further, there was a significant decrease in the likelihood of completing the mental health evaluation as the number of days between the Rapid Response System contact and the date of the evaluation appointment increased. Strategies that reduce the period of time between the initial referral and initiation of services may facilitate linkage with mental health treatment, particularly in the context of larger multi-service organizations.
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