Balancing Prevention Research and service

Abstract

SUMMARY A major purpose of public health service and research demonstration projects is to develop models, interventions, or programs geared toward a particular problem. At the same time, these projects need to be structured so that the research design allows for the collection of valid and reliable data that can be used to test the efficacy of the program. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the balance that must be obtained between rigorous research and the ongoing demands of providing services to a target population that is at high risk for contracting and/or transmitting HIV. The paper discusses the day-to-day issues that arise and strategies that have been developed to respond to them.