Victorian HIV Service Integrated Service Model

Background

As recommended by the review of the department’s specified grant to The Alfred Hospital for HIV Services (2005), the department commissioned a consultant-led project to develop an integrated service model for the provision of HIV services in Victoria.

The project, conducted by RPR Consulting, involved extensive consultation with the HIV care and treatment sector to outline current practice, identify gaps in service delivery, and make specific recommendations for improvements.  The project took place in 2007 and was guided by a Steering Committee and an Advisory Group made up of representatives from clinical, community and peer based organisations. 

Final Report & Department Response

RPR Consulting finalised the report in December 2007 and the department has considered and acted on a number of issues raised in the report.

Project to Develop an Integrated Service Model for the provision of HIV Services in Victoria - Final report, RPR Consulting (PDF File 821KB) - 26 November 2007

The department’s response is available below and outlines priority actions.

Department of Human Services response to ‘Integrated Service Model for the Provision of HIV Services in Victoria’ paper (PDF File 124KB) - August 2008

Priority Actions

The department is committed to the following priority actions:

Models of Care for People with HIV with Chronic & Complex Care Needs
The department will seek expressions of interest from established HARP (Hospital Admission Risk Program) services to pilot models of care for people with HIV with chronic and complex care needs.  Hospital Admission Risk Program services are patient-centred, based on meeting clients’ individual needs, which can include medical, physical and mental health, psychosocial, financial and environmental.  HARP services work in partnership across health and community settings, specialists and mainstream services.

For more information, contact Sian Reilly, Senior Project Officer, Metropolitan Health and Aged Care Services Telephone: (03) 9096 1331  Fax: (03) 9096 9204

HIV Service Level Framework
The department will work with hospitals to develop a HIV specific framework that will clearly outline levels of care, specialist and statewide services, management of complexity in hospital settings; and requirements that ensure the safety, quality and sustainability of services.  This work will commence in 2009.

For more information, contact Sian Reilly, Senior Project Officer, Metropolitan Health and Aged Care Services Telephone: (03) 9096 1331  Fax: (03) 9096 9204

Single Community Based Counselling Service
The department will establish a working group to develop a sustainable and acceptable organisational and service model for single community based counselling service.  The department will consider implementation of the model in 2009/2010 by combining existing resources allocated across a number of agencies.  The service would be responsible for providing community based counselling to people with HIV and other blood borne viruses, their significant others, and those at risk. 

For more information, contact Vikki Sinnott, Principal Program Advisor, Rural & Regional Health & Aged Care Services Telephone: (03) 9096 5143  Fax: (03) 9096 9174

Strengthening Positive Voice
The department and the three positive organisations – People Living with HIV/AIDS, Positive Women and Straight Arrows – will work together to develop stronger linkages, joint priority setting and joint program delivery (where appropriate). 

For more information, contact Vikki Sinnott, Principal Program Advisor, Rural & Regional Health & Aged Care Services Telephone: (03) 9096 5143  Fax: (03) 9096 9174

Supporting General Practice – Sexual Health Screening
In recognition of the increased risk of transmission of HIV when other sexually transmitted infections are present (in particular ulcerative infections), Public Health has funded two projects to support general practice in providing thorough sexual health screening for men who have sex with men in particular.  One project supports general practices providing care to HIV positive people, and the other will offer training and support to general practices that do not see many people with HIV.

For more information, contact Vikki Sinnott, Principal Program Advisor, Rural & Regional Health & Aged Care Services Telephone: (03) 9096 5143  Fax: (03) 9096 9174

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