Review of services for people living with HIV in New Zealand

Inquiry5. By what criteria are needsof people with HIVprioritised?How are these needsdetermined?How frequently are theneeds reviewed?How is this done?ResponseBy what criteria are needs of people with HIV prioritised?Primarily as defined by PLWH.Also through feedback from HIV positive individuals who are NZAF clients, those whoare not NZAF clients, PLWHA organisations and PLWHA key care and supportproviders such as ID clinicians and family members.Research and published literature.How are these needs determined?A number of sources of feedback on PLWH needs have been utilised:HIV Futures2 is an independent research that indicates PLWH service needs but wasnot specific to NZAFNZAF undertook a client survey in 2008/09, whilst small the results closely matchedHIV Futures2Wellness Fund 07/08 survey by PLWHA survey of criteria and process Review of Collective Thinking audience needs 2006/07 Review of Positive Health Services 2009/10How frequently are the needs reviewed?Every year on different aspects of the services.How is this done?As above, surveys (including online), focus groups, consultations with PLWHAorganisations, PLWHA staff, external contractors leading the project and others byNZAF staff.6. What makes the serviceeffective and relevant forHIV positive persons?How many people usethe service?For what reasons?Modes and frequencyof communication withservice users,members, constituentsProcesses of PLHAinput to the design andoperation of theserviceChallenges to servicedeliveryWhat makes the service effective and relevant for HIV positive persons?Varies greatly based on their specific need and how closely NZAF matches that need.How many people use the service?See attached report for positive health services.Modes and frequency of communication with service users, members, constituentsOngoing through the NZAF website – booking appointments, FAQs and emails reconcerns etc.Formal communication with individuals, health professionals, family membersthrough the Collective Thinking magazine every four months.Weekly informal phone and email communication with PLWHA organisations – somemore than others.Direct access for individuals to centres through 0800 freephone and direct emails.Monthly communication asking for comment and input with PLWHA organisationsand health professionals.Weekly list server from NZAF library on articles and studies of interest to thoseregistered.Processes of PLWHA input to the design and operation of the serviceAs described above and varies based on specific service/project. In some servicedevelopment individuals with PLWHA are involved in initial service design beforereleased for full consultation or a PLHWA is contracted to the lead the review, or thePLWHA organisations are consulted on a proposal before it is formalised.REVIEW OF SERVICES FOR PLHA 59