AEGiS-14IAC: A process analysis for HIV research opportunities in the US Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

A process analysis for HIV research opportunities in the US Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12544)

Lopez JA, Schlapfer WT, Davey V, Deyton L, Holodniy M
Veterans Affairs Center for HIV Research Resources (CHRR), Palo Alto, CA, United States

ISSUES: The US Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest provider of HIV care in the US, with over 19,000 HIV infected veterans receiving care at over 140 VA medical centers (VAMC). National policies ensure uniform access to clinical care. However, access to clinical trials or expanded access programs is not uniform. The reasons for nonparticipation have not been clearly established.

DESCRIPTION: The CHRR was established to understand and analyze local and system processes/policies within the VA that create success or barriers for HIV research. National and site-specific surveys were conducted to determine the type of current HIV research undertaken, and variables or barriers to research opportunities.

ISSUES: Over 600 active HIV research projects, representing 250 investigators at 66 VAMC were identified in FY 99-00. 80% were identified as clinical research and 20% were considered basic or translational science. Over 90% of these sites had academic affiliations or were identified ACTG/CPCRA clinical units. Funding for studies came from a variety of sources. Sites with minimal or no HIV research program had: small HIV infected veteran populations, no HIV research experienced clinician or support staff, minimal understanding about local research application process, no local IRB access, or limited access to timely information. Many small sites were interested in participating in research opportunities. In addition, many veterans were not aware of local research opportunities.

RECOMMENDATIONS: A VA intranet website was created containing a centralized knowledge base (relevant forms, procedures, contact information), information clearinghouse for government or industry-sponsored initiatives, proposed and ongoing VA HIV research, and a consultative service to help develop, facilitate, and track clinical research in the VA. A search engine helps veterans identify clinical trials and opportunities that are available to them locally.

Keywords: AEGIS, Veterans, Research, Research Personnel, Hospitals, Veterans, Research Support, Hospitals, Health Services Research, Federal Government, Information Systems, Ambulatory Care Facilities, Biomedical Research, economics

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