ABSTRACT
Shortly after HIV/AIDS reached epidemic proportions in vulnerable populations during the mid-1980s, it was quickly identified that a variety of medical and social services were needed to improve HIVinfected individuals’ chances for longer life. Case management was accepted as a critical component of the continuum of care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Throughout the country, AIDS service organizations implemented models of case management to increase access to needed services. However, a variety of models, standards of care, and evaluation strategies were adopted for this population. This chapter provides a summary of the varying models of case management and how these models may differ among populations, with an emphasis on the development and provision of case management for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, it explores how research in this field has influenced the development and implementation of effective case management services. Thus, a review of the body of research conducted to determine the effectiveness of case management will be presented, how this impacts practitioners, in addition to a discussion of areas that need further exploration in this field.
