PRACTICAL MODELS FOR THE CARE OF HIV AND AIDS PATIENTS

Mathematical models for infectious diseases are of limited use in prov iding practical help to health professionals. In this paper we discuss computer models developed jointly by operational research mathematici ans and clinicians to meet this need. We use the term 'operational mod elling' to describe this pragmatic approach. The models can aid decisi on-making at a resource planning level and can also be used by clinici ans to monitor and improve patient care. The models incorporate uncert ainty and variability and are therefore mathematically complex, but ar e easy to use and provide a great deal of useful information about mor bidity and resource use.