Developing a new, integrated HIV/AIDS system of care
As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to evolve, our services must also evolve to meet the changing needs of the communities and people we serve. A review of HIV/AIDS services in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Providence Health Care (PHC) geographic region has identified opportunities to improve outcomes while streamlining and integrating care.
We are developing a new system of HIV/AIDS care, based on demonstrated, evidenced-based practices, current technology and clinical guidelines. It will enable us to provide better, more seamless care for clients in the VCH/PHC geographic region and create increased capacity to care for more people.
Anticipated benefits include:
- Improved diagnosis, linkage to care, and treatment outcomes.
- Increased integration of services across the continuum of HIV/AIDS care.
- Improved monitoring and evaluation of both program and health outcome indicators.
- Reduced duplication and improved collaboration between service partners.
- The ability to respond to shifting needs of the community and epidemic over time.
- Reduced operational cost due to a consolidation of service contracts and reduced administrative overhead.
The new system of HIV/AIDS care incorporates learning and best practices from the highly successful STOP (Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of) HIV/AIDS pilot project.
Public procurement for redesigned HIV/AIDS services
Today, VCH, in partnership with PHC, posted four Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on BC Bid, formally inviting participation in a public procurement process for some of these redesigned HIV services.
HIV service providers have been informed of posting of the RFPs on BC Bid.
The following services are included in this RFP process:
- Prevention Specialist Services and Community Based Case Management
- Peer Navigation
- Housing Outreach Workers to support Clinical Case Management
- Sexual Health Services for Gay and Other Men who Have Sex with Men (OMSM)
We anticipate these new services will be in place by spring 2014.
In collaboration with existing service providers, planning will take place following the finalization of service contracts in order to ensure a smooth transition for clients to the system of HIV/AIDS care.
Questions?
If you have, or receive, any questions related to the RFP, please direct them to ac.hcv@PFR.