Case Study - Introduction To Health Care Services Leads To Turn-Around In Treatment Adherence

September 30, 2016

BACKGROUND

Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS (STOP HIV/AIDS), a program conceptualized by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE), aims to expand access to HIV treatment, care and treatment for all BC residents, particularly for vulnerable populations experiencing difficulties in accessing traditional services. Through health authorities across BC, the STOP® program involves collaboration among nurses, health care professionals, social workers and others in order to provide for the broad spectrum of needs of their clients living with HIV. In 2012, based on the success of STOP pilot programs initially launched in Prince George and Vancouver, the BC provincial government announced $19.9 million in funding towards STOP®’s expansion to all provincial health authorities.

Members of STOP® outreach teams across the province serve vulnerable populations, many of whom have suffered trauma and lack trust in traditional health care systems. Many clients are simultaneously facing addiction and homelessness problems, while dealing with access to HIV treatment and care. Outreach Nurses with the different STOP® programs work with several clients at time.

Success stories from the STOP® program show the resilience that exists within vulnerable communities, as well as the importance of holistic support systems to address the social determinants of health. This includes a broad spectrum of social and economic needs.

This case study shows demonstrates that, through the gradual introduction of a number of health and social supports, a hard-to-reach client can develop consistent adherence to his HIV treatment. The client’s name has been changed for privacy concerns.

ZSTOP Case StudyDownload pdf

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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Case Study - Introduction To Health Care Services Leads To Turn-Around In Treatment Adherence

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