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MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS
Grant Title: The Feasibility and Impact of the Bridge
Program upon Accessing HIV Care
Funding Source and Period: HIV Center Pilot Studies
Program; 2007-2008
Key HIV Center Personnel:
HIV Center Investigator: Mary A. Cavaleri, Ph.D., LCSW
Mentor: Mary McKay, Ph.D.
Project Overview
(from abstract of research plan)
The main aims
of this
study are to pilot
test the feasibility and acceptability of the Bridge
Program, a peer-delivered intervention for adults
hospitalized with HIV-related illnesses; identify
barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the
proposed intervention; and examine the preliminary
impact of the BRIDGE Program upon engagement in
outpatient medical appointments, connection and
relationship qualities with outpatient providers, HIV
illness and medication knowledge, use of additional
services, and re-hospitalization rates.
The Bridge Program consists of a series of phone
contacts and in-person meetings between a Bridge Peer
and the patient beginning in the hospital and continuing
after discharge. The objectives of these meetings are to
review the patient's discharge plan so that they
understand their medication and treatment needs and
follow-up appointments; increase engagement and
consistent utilization of treatment; decrease barriers
to receiving medical care; and prevent future
hospitalizations.
A sample of 20 adults receiving in-patient care at
Mount Sinai Hospital for HIV-related illnesses will be
randomly assigned to either: 1) The BRIDGE Program, or;
2) standard discharge planning with a social work or
nurse practitioner provided as part of the hospital's
routine discharge process. Both groups will be assessed
at baseline, one month post-discharge, and at four-month
follow-up regarding: a) attendance at outpatient medical
appointments; b) HIV illness and medication knowledge;
c) connection with outpatient medical providers; d) use
of additional services, and; e) rates of
re-hospitalization. Preliminary data from this project
will be submitted for publication and used to inform a
larger scale effectiveness RO1 study.Update: 5/18/07
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HIV Center for Clinical
and Behavioral Studies
1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 15, New York, NY 10032
(212) 543-5969 | Fax (212) 543-6003
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