Online Program

291569
Understanding implementation: Experiences of community-based organizations using innovative technologies for “prevention with positives”


Monday, November 4, 2013 : 9:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Stephanie L. Marhefka, PhD, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health; Chiles Center, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
Elizabeth Lockhart, MPH, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Samuel Matos, MD, MPH, CPH, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Philip Mcnab, MA, MPH, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Leila Martini, MPH, MA, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Sarah Maness, PhD, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Nichole Murray, MSW, MPH, Department of Community & Family Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Vickie Lynn, MPH, MSW, College of Public Health, Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Background Access to effective group-based “prevention with positives” interventions is insufficient and could be expanded by delivering programs over video-conferencing via video-phones accessed in private rooms at community-based organizations (CBOs). However, related feasibility and implementation challenges haven't been explored. Part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), women living with HIV (WLH) completed the Healthy Relationships group intervention via video-phones (HR-VP) accessed at CBOs. Each organization had > 1 administrative contact for HR-VP and > 1 staff liaison who managed the project at the site, including preparing equipment, greeting participants, disseminating gift cards, etc. Group facilitation and video-conference support were provided by other entities. This analysis focuses on experiences of CBOs offering access to HR-VG. Methods We conducted individual interviews with all administrative and staff representatives (n=14) actively assigned to the project across all 6 community sites 10 months into the RCT. A thematic analysis (Guest, MacQueen, & Namey, 2011) was employed by a coding/analytic team. Results Respondents revealed three major benefits to providing HR-VP: participant empowerment and support; personal satisfaction for liaisons; and improved organizational visibility and funding opportunities. Challenges were related to research activities (participant incentives and computerized assessments) or logistics that could be readily addressed (scheduling and training needs for site liaisons). Conclusions Administrators and site liaisons for HR-VP found the program beneficial. Challenges were minimal and could be overcome easily. Findings support the feasibility of video-group delivery of “prevention with positives” interventions at CBOs. Studies should explore this approach with other HIV-positive and at-risk populations.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe the potential for video-group delivery of “prevention with positives” interventions. Identify the implementation challenges and benefits of video-group delivery of “prevention with positives” interventions accessed at community based organizations.

Keyword(s): HIV/AIDS, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a tenured associate professor and have been working in the field for the past 14 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.