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A linear programming model for allocating HIV prevention funds with state agencies: a pilot study
Earnshaw, S., Hicks, K., Richter, A., & Honeycutt, A. (2007). A linear programming model for allocating HIV prevention funds with state agencies: a pilot study. Health Care Management Science, 10(3), 239-252.
Given the initiatives to improve resource allocation decisions for HIV prevention activities, a linear programming model was designed specifically for use by state and local decision-makers. A pilot study using information from the state of Florida was conducted and studied under a series of scenarios depicting the impact of common resource allocation constraints. Improvements over the past allocation strategy in the number of potential infections averted were observed in all scenarios with a maximal improvement of 73%. When allocating limited resources, policymakers must balance efficiency and equity. In this pilot study, the optimal allocation (i.e., most-efficient strategy) would not distribute resources in an equitable manner. Instead, only 12% of at-risk people would receive prevention funds. We find that less efficient strategies, where 58% fewer infections are averted, result in significantly more equitable allocations. This tool serves as a guide for allocating funds for prevention activities
