A Case Management Intervention to Prevent ER Visits in HIV-infected Persons

Case management has become an integral part of HIV care. There is little science however demonstrating its effectiveness. This is a randomized, controlled trial of a phone call intervention after an ER visit to see if this can reduce further ER visits, hospitalizations, deaths, and cost.

One year retrospective look at outcome measures followed by a one year trial of a phone call after each ER visit in half of the group. Outcomes measured are cost, ER visits, hospitalizations, death, length of stay. Adults only, English or Spanish, questionnaire on depression, appointments, drug use with referral to case management services, drug rehab services, or followup appointments. Time for intervention is recorded to estimate cost.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient in our clinic as of 4-1-04

Exclusion Criteria:

• <18 years old