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HIV Surveillance
Surveillance is the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data regarding a health-related event. HIV surveillance collects, analyzes, and disseminates information about new and existing cases of HIV infection (regardless of stage of disease and including AIDS). The ultimate goal of the Illinois HIV Surveillance Program is to provide a comprehensive picture of the HIV epidemic in order to support prevention and health service activities delivered by the Department of Public Health and a statewide system of healthcare and social service organizations. For monthly surveillance reports, see PUBLICATIONS in the right-hand column.
HIV/AIDS Case Reporting and Guidelines
State regulations identify HIV and AIDS as reportable diseases and mandate that healthcare professionals licensed by the Department report HIV and AIDS cases.
Effective January 1, 2006, cases of HIV infection must be reported by name to the HIV Surveillance Program at the Illinois Department of Public Health. AIDS cases have been reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) this way since 1981.
Every healthcare professional must report each case in which the healthcare professional has diagnosed or treated a case of AIDS or HIV infection. If an individual was previously reported using a patient code number (PCN), the Department expects the individual to be re-reported by name.
The IDPH HIV Surveillance Unit prepared a training video intended for staff at any facility in Illinois that conducts HIV/AIDS testing. The purpose of the training is to inform medical facilities of the requirements associated with HIV case reporting and provide guidance on proper reporting in order to remain in compliance with CDC reporting requirements.
For National Surveillance Information, see Resources in the right-hand column.
Illinois’ Medical Monitoring Project (MMP)
MMP is a supplemental surveillance project conducted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in collaboration with CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Illinois is 1 of 26 project areas (state and city health departments) nationwide that have been funded to conduct MMP. A sample of 600 HIV infected individuals (400 residing in the city of Chicago and 200 residing outside of Chicago) is selected each year from the National HIV Surveillance System. These individuals must be at least 18 years old and diagnosed with HIV. People who are selected are asked to participate in an interview during which they answer questions about their behavior and HIV medical care. They also give the MMP project staff permission to review their medical chart.
The goals of the project are to provide local and national estimates for the population in care for HIV. Information will be gathered on the following:
- Behaviors
- Clinical Outcomes
- Type and quality of care received
- Met and unmet needs for HIV care and prevention services
How the Data Are Used
MMP provides valuable state and national estimates of healthcare utilization, quality of care, severity of need, and effectiveness of prevention messages. MMP data may help estimate resource needs for treatment and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. To be effective, programs must meet the current needs of the population. MMP data provide contextual information on prevention, care-seeking, treatment, and risk behaviors that can aid in the design and improvement of HIV programs.
Information gathered for MMP will be used to help people living with HIV/AIDS. Results will be shared with HIV prevention community planning groups, Ryan White CARE Act advisory and planning councils, and with facilities that provide care for people living with HIV/AIDS. This information will be used to make evidence-based policy and funding decisions and to guide treatment services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Illinois and across the nation.