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Networking & Referral

Networking & Referral. Referrals and Networking. “Referrals and networking are useful to ensure that IDUs and their sexual partners have access to the existing medical, social support and legal services”. What is Networking?.

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Networking & Referral

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  1. Networking & Referral

  2. Referrals and Networking “Referrals and networking are useful to ensure that IDUs and their sexual partners have access to the existing medical, social support and legal services”

  3. What is Networking? • Building linkage and relationship with other individuals/agencies/groups of people • Sharing information and resources with above entities • Seeking support from potential allies/groups/agencies/networks having different or varied skills and services that will ultimately assist IDUs

  4. Why Network? • IDU TI programs cannot meet all the needs of IDUs • IDUs are often ignorant of existing healthcare facilities • Apart from health, IDUs have a number of other needs, e.g. food and nutrition, shelter, employment • IDUs are often ill-treated, discriminated against and denied healthcare facilities • IDUs may be prevented from accessing services provided by TIs and other agencies by groups/entities opposed to Harm Reduction programs for IDUs • IDUs are often stigmatized and suffer from low self-esteem; they feel insecure/threatened

  5. Linkages Provided Through the TI • Linkages with other HIV services: • TB referrals to DOTS • ICTC linkages (VCTC, PPTCT) • ART linkages and Hepatitis C management • OI management • Existing support groups (NGOs/CBOs) • OST centre (available only at some specially accredited TIs and government hospitals) • Bio-medical waste handling units • Diagnostic Laboratories • Community Care Centres (CCC) • Government/Private hospitals

  6. Linkages with Other Key Health Services • Drug treatment (de-addiction and rehabilitation through MSJE) • Reproductive health services for women who use drugs and women who have male injecting partners • Psychosocial support and counselling • Linkages with other departments • Vocational training/income generation efforts • Social and legal support services • Access to other government department services (e.g., BPL, nutritional supplements)

  7. Steps in Networking & Referrals

  8. Steps in Networking & Referrals 1. Referral mapping • The PM along with other staff, including outreach and community members, should prepare a map wherein services available in locality/town are identified • Key questions to be considered during mapping: • What services does the agency offer? • Will the agency provide services to IDUs and their partners? • Will they maintain confidentiality of the client and the sex partners? • How can your TI benefit from linkages with the agency? • How far is the agency from the DIC/IDU hotspots? • Who is the appropriate contact person to formalize the linkage? Contd…

  9. Referral mapping Steps in Networking & Referrals • TI staff should meet the key person in identified agencies to inform them about TI activities and advocate for making the service available to IDUs and partners • All TI staff should be informed of the networking and subsequent meetings • Service map and directory should be prominently displayed in the DIC as well as TI staff rooms; a list of such services should also be provided to ORWs Contd…

  10. 2. Referral database Steps in Networking & Referrals • Preparation of simple database to include: • Name of the agency • Type of services available • Key person/contact person • Address • Telephone number • Office timings Contd…

  11. 3. Referral Protocol Steps in Networking & Referrals • Referral protocol should provide guidelines for making referrals • Explaining how and when referrals are to be made • Steps to be taken when making a referral • Following-up on a referral • Documentation or forms required to complete the referral • A referral form should accompany the protocol Contd…

  12. Referral Protocol Referral form should capture: • Client information • Date and time of appointment • Problem or need identified • Services to be provided • Name of the agency where referred • Contact information and location of agency • Date and time the referral appointment was verified

  13. Steps in Networking & Referrals 4. Setting up System of Referrals • ORW/TI staff to accompany referral cases • Referral slip/card to be printed in triplicate • Referral card to be collected from referral agency by TI staff at the end of the month to ascertain number of IDUs/partners who accessed referred service

  14. Steps in Networking & Referrals 5. Referral Analysis • Analysis of the referrals should be conducted at the end of the month by PM & shared with TI staff in monthly meetings • Analysis should be based on the referral records: • No. of clients referred • No. of successful referrals • Reasons should be ascertained for low and unsuccessful referrals and this should be addressed in the networking meetings • Regular meetings should be conducted by TI team led by the PM with the referral agencies to resolve barriers and ensure continuity of effective services

  15. THANK YOU!

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