Page 11 - Christiana Care Focus August 2018

| In Our Community
Stephanie Bolden, MSN, RN, Susan Wilson MSN, ACRN, Brooke Darmstadter, Pharm.D, and Barbara Griffin, MSN, RN, provide outpatient care for more than 400 patients in a facility on the grounds of the Stockley Center in Georgetown.
It took about a year to get his medications just
right. For the past four years, his virus has been undetectable. Sheets leads an active and productive life, working at his job as a medical case manager
for the Delaware HIV Consortium. He hikes and backpacks — “the things I love,” he said. Twice a year, he comes to the center for checkups and lab work.
“I truly cherish that they take their time,” he said. “They aren’t standing with their hands on the exam door. They want to know your needs so they can better serve you. If you need something,
just ask.”
The caseload in Smyrna increased about 20 percent
in 2017, when the center saw increased hepatitis C
(non-HIV) visits and added primary care services.
Patients also have access to telepsychiatry with a licensed clinical social worker and psychiatrist, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The Smyrna team includes an administrative assistant, nurses, a pharmacist, a peer educator, a medical social worker, a nurse practitioner and several physicians who rotate through the clinic to provide expert care.
They serve a diverse mix of patients. Today, heterosexual African- Americans represent the largest group of patients, followed by people with a history of drug abuse and gay men. Overall, about 40 percent of patients are women.
“All of our patients have a story, and each story matters,” said Joni Miller, MSN, RN, ACRN, project coordinator. “It’s our passion to work with them to ensure they enjoy a great quality of life.”
“We have patients we have taken care of for more than 20 years. Our relationship with our patients is key to everything.”
Arlene Bincsik, MS, RN, CCRC, ACRN
Statewide partners in care
Partnerships are important in ensuring access to high-quality care. The staff works closely with the Delaware Division of Public Health, the Delaware HIV Consortium, Westside Family Health Care, Brandywine Counseling, Beautiful Gate Outreach Center and other organizations to provide comprehensive care that routinely exceeds national benchmarks.
In Sussex County, more than 400 patients receive their HIV care in a facility on the grounds of the Stockley Center in Georgetown. The staff serves a diverse group of patients in southern Delaware, including growing Haitian and Hispanic populations.
In addition to HIV care for patients, the center provides gynecological services, psychotherapy services with a licensed clinical social worker and psychiatrist, hepatitis C treatment for patients (some of whom also are infected with HIV), and PrEP. Additionally, a support group meets once a week for people with substance-use issues.
“We have patients from age 18 to 92,” said Susan Wilson, MSN, RN, nurse manager. “With the help of the Division of Public Health, we have been able to expand our reach in the community by opening a satellite clinic in the Laurel State Service building, one day a month.”
This fall, the clinic at Wilmington Annex, which currently serves more than 1,000 patients each year, will move across the street to an expanded new facility in the Gateway Building at Wilmington Hospital. The new location will offer a more comfortable waiting area, additional exam rooms and enhanced access to studies and tests.
The program also affirms Christiana Care’s commitment to community health and reducing the number of new HIV infections.
“Treatment is prevention,” Bincsik said. “Studies show that the more people who are in treatment and reach viral suppression, the fewer the new cases in the community.” 
FOCUS • AUGUST 2018 9