Linking HIV-Positive Adolescents Into Care: The Effects of Relationships Between Local Health Departments and Adolescent Medicine Clinics

Abstract

The fragmentation of HIV-related diagnostic and treatment services, especially for youth, is a significant barrier for engaging in care. The authors identified key elements that affected care linkage efforts and conducted 64 interviews across 15 clinical sites. The constant comparative method was used. Primary linkages to care processes are illustrated through three geographically diverse case studies. Factors included interagency relationships, data-sharing protocols, and service duplication concerns. Program improvement strategies were discussed. A strong, citywide network is helpful in coordinating care linkage services. These partnerships will be critical in effectively realizing the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• HIV
• linkage to care
• health departments