The HIV Cybermall: A Regional Cybernetwork of HIV Services

SUMMARY The HIV Cybermall is a computer network and transportation system designed to link case managers at 18 partner agencies. The purpose of the project is to enhance and evaluate HIV-related medical, dental, drug treatment and psychosocial service delivery to people living with HIV in northern Los Angeles County. Participating agencies decided that the most important aspects of any linkage computer system were user-accessibility, cost-feasibility, and security of information. The investigators then designed a password-controlled wide-area network with a shared intake template and layered access to information. This network was combined with training sensitive to the particular needs of the agency worker, technical support, shared governance, and an integrated transportation system. The project intranet has two elements: (1) a closed, private network for confidential communication and information exchange, and (2) access to the public Internet. A key element in the project was the need to work closely with agencies in order to develop staff confidence and investment in the project. The paper describes the organizational processes that were essential for the successful design and implementation of this network. The article also outlines system hardware, software, security specifications and evaluation process. A website was also published at www.HIVCybermall.org.