2.1 Working Definition of PCM

PCM is a client-centered HIV prevention activity with the fundamental goal of promoting the adoption and maintenance of HIV risk-reduction behaviors by clients with multiple, complex problems and risk-reduction needs. PCM is intended for persons having or likely to have difficulty initiating or sustaining practices that reduce or prevent HIV acquisition, transmission, or reinfection. As a hybrid of HIV risk-reduction counseling and traditional case management, PCM provides intensive, on-going, individualized prevention counseling, support, and service brokerage. This HIV prevention activity addresses the relationship between HIV risk and other issues such as substance abuse, STD treatment, mental health, and social and cultural factors.

Priority for PCM services should be given to HIV seropositive persons having or likely to have difficulty initiating or sustaining practices that reduce or prevent HIV transmission and reinfection. For HIV seropositive persons, PCM involves the coordination of primary and secondary prevention interventions in close collaboration with Ryan White CARE Act case management providers (See Appendix C for fact sheet on Ryan White CARE Act). Further, PCM ensures the provision of other medical and psychosocial services affecting risk behavior, including STD and substance abuse treatment services.

HIV seronegative persons, or those of unknown HIV serostatus - either (1) engaging in high-risk behavior within communities with moderate to high seroprevalence rates of HIV infection or (2) otherwise at heightened risk of infection - may also be appropriate for PCM.

PCM includes the following seven essential components (See Section 4.2 for further details):

1. Client recruitment and engagement;
2. Screening and assessment (comprehensive assessment of HIV and STD risks, medical and psychosocial service needs - including STD evaluation and treatment, and substance abuse treatment);
3. Development of a client-centered "Prevention Plan;"
4. Multiple-session HIV risk-reduction counseling;
5. Active coordination of services with follow-up;
6. Monitoring and reassessment of clients' needs, risks, and progress; and
7. Discharge from PCM upon attainment and maintenance of risk-reduction goals.

Go to 2.2 Differentiating PCM from Other HIV Risk-Reduction Activities