SPNS Initiative: Electronic Networks of Care, 2007-2011

Background

The Electronic Networks of Care Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) initiative funded six demonstration sites for four years to promote the enhancement and evaluation of existing health information electronic network systems for people living with HIV in underserved communities. The University of California, San Francisco Center for AIDS Prevention Studies was also funded as the Evaluation and Support Center to coordinate a cross-site evaluation of services and to provide technical assistance to the six demonstration projects.

For this initiative, an electronic network was defined as the electronic exchange of health information by a group of HIV care providers, including providers of both medical and ancillary care. Each network electronically connected several data sources, which could include laboratory, diagnostic, medical, service utilization, referrals, and ancillary care services such as case management, counseling and testing, transportation, and substance use and mental health services.  Network interconnectivity enabled tracking of client medical and supportive care information from one point of service to another. The effectiveness of these networks was assessed by how well they managed patient health information, including referrals, appointments, treatment, and retention of clients, as well as client health outcomes and quality of life.

Demonstration project grant recipients included: Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center (Bronx, NY); New York Presbyterian Hospital (New York, NY); Duke University (Durham, NC); St. Mary Medical Center Foundation (Long Beach, CA); Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division (Baton Rouge, LA); and the City of Paterson (NJ).

Journal Articles

Date Last Reviewed:  October 2017