Effects of mental health centre staff turnover on HIV/AIDS service delivery integration

Abstract

This study examined the effects of mental health service provider turnover rates on system integration. System integration was defined as appropriate referrals and the freeflow exchange of information among three components: mental health care, primary health care, and dedicated HIV care coordination services. From a sample of 17 mental health centres across a midwestern state, higher staff turnover rates did not negatively impact integration, with the exception of within-centre services. Mental health service providers are aware of who other network providers are, but integration breaks down at a level of implementation in terms of contacts, exchange of information and referrals. Integrative efforts focused on care coordination with little to no evidence of bidirectionality.