Evaluation of Status and Progression of HIV Disease: Use of a Computerized Medical Module

Abstract

SUMMARY The Northern Nevada HOPES (HIV Outpatient Program, Education, and Services) Clinic provides comprehensive and consultative care to persons living with HIV/AIDS in Reno, Nevada. As a method of tracking clinical data for evaluation purposes, a computer database was designed and implemented in the clinic setting. Analysis of these data permitted an exploration of the relations among client behaviors such as substance abuse and clinical markers of HIV disease progression. Substance abuse was found to be related to a number of indicators of impaired health. The computerized medical data module was found to be a useful tool for evaluation and quality assurance purposes and permitted the quantification of substance abuse behaviors in the clinic population.