Planning bodies don't learn how to plan in a few weeks. The best ways to learn are by developing a plan and by learning from others with more experience. Participatory comprehensive planning often has tangential benefits that help to correct dysfunctional processes or poor program implementation. It is important that other HIV programs in the community, such as those of the Ryan White CARE Act. Planning can help a group develop decision-making criteria and contingency plans, preparing the planning council and the community for changes in the epidemic or resources.
Planning also places services and systems of care in the context of many funding sources.
By providing information, the process allows planning councils to examine ways to increase the efficiency of service delivery and to maximize the use of existing funding streams. Often a review of such plans will help to identify other challenges inherent in HIV care and treatment, such as the implementation of ACTG 076 protocols and development of managed care systems. Bureau Project Officers can use plans to monitor grantees and planning councils' efforts to meet legislative mandates. Evaluation Activities Evaluation is an important component of comprehensive planning and is receiving increasing attention from HRSA, HAB, and grantee communities. Use results from evaluation and contract monitoring activities to begin the definition of planning issues.