(BW) (SF-AIDS-FOUNDATION) San Francisco AIDS Foundation Conducts Qualitative Focus Groups to Better Understand Changing Dynamics of AIDS Epidemic, Effect of New Treatments, and Changing Client Need; Results Will Inform S.F. AIDS Foundation Program and Service Delivery and Design

BUSINESS WIRE - 44 Montgomery St, 39th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104; Tel: (415) 986-4422; FAX: (415) 788-5335 - Monday, 21 July 1997.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BW HealthWire)--July 21, 1997--Analysis of treatment and services data from 11 recent qualitative focus groups of San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) clients indicated three main trends: clients are generally gaining access to new treatments and have a high level of access to primary medical care, however women generally have less access; clients want direct, personal interaction around support for treatment information not directives on what to take or not to take; and stable housing was articulated as a key factor in maintaining overall health.

SFAF commissioned the independent firm of Binder and Associates to conduct these confidential 2-hour sessions to better understand the changing dynamics of the AIDS epidemic -- especially the issues related to new treatment advances -- and the evolving needs of individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The 111 participants in the focus groups were drawn from the 130,000 individuals who made direct use of a range of vital SFAF services this past year.

Also, participants were specifically asked for blunt feedback about SFAF programs and services. A summary of these comments includes: although treatment information was perceived in a strong, positive light, clients asked for more access to these materials; clients want reduced waiting time for services; clients voiced concerns related to agency bureaucracy and staff compensation; and confusion about overlapping services provided by different agencies in San Francisco.

"This input is critical to program design and service delivery at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in order to assure that we meet the needs of individuals seeking our support," said Pat Christen, Executive Director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

"We can be most effective meeting the changing needs of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS when we hear from clients directly. I am particularly proud that we asked our clients for critical feedback on how we could improve our services and programs. We will use the qualitative data to inform our efforts in the coming year."

The information has been complied in a summary report and will be used for program planning and evaluation. Among some of the program changes already planned are: addition of a treatment specialist, women's treatment-related support events, and enhanced treatment publications.

Please call for a copy of the Executive Summary of the focus group data.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is a non-profit, community-based AIDS service organization that has been at the forefront of the battle against HIV disease for fifteen years. This past year, SFAF provided a range of vital services to 130,000 individuals, reached 100,000 others through community outreach, and assisted countless others through treatment and public policy advocacy.

--30--jmr/sf* wt/sf

CONTACT: SFAF Timothy Rodrigues, 415/487-3076

Keywords: CALIFORNIA MEDICINE

Copyright (c) 1997/BUSINESS WIRE. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, Business Wire, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036; Tel: (212) 575-8822; FAX: (212) 575-1854.
970721
BW970715

Copyright © 1997 - Business Wire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Business Wire, Permissions Desk, Business Wire, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036; Tel: (212) 575-8822; FAX: (212) 575-1854. http://www.businesswire.com.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .