CHESS: Providing decision support for reducing health risk behavior and improving access to health services

The AIDS epidemic has challenged every aspect of the health services delivery system from prevention activities and programs to nursing home care. Computer technology provides a strategy for meeting the needs of both people at risk as well as those infected with HIV. CHESS (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System) is an integrated decision support system that provides multi-dimensional theory-based resources to people infected with HIV and to people at risk of contracting the infection. CHESS provides users with anonymous, current, nonjudgmental, easily accessible information, decision support, referral, and social support.