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✪ Comparing Patients’ Experiences in Three Differentiated Service Delivery Models for HIV Treatment in South Africa

Authors:

Ferdinand C. Mukumbang, Sibusiso Ndlovu, and Brian van Wyk

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

✪ Open Access

Published: December 2021

Read the full text in the open access journal Qualitative Health Research

Abstract:

Differentiated service delivery for HIV treatment seeks to enhance medication adherence while respecting the preferences of people living with HIV. Nevertheless, patients’ experiences of using these differentiated service delivery models or approaches have not been qualitatively compared. Underpinned by the tenets of descriptive phenomenology, we explored and compared the experiences of patients in three differentiated service delivery models using the National Health Services’ Patient Experience Framework. Data were collected from 68 purposively selected people living with HIV receiving care in facility adherence clubs, community adherence clubs, and quick pharmacy pick-up. Using the constant comparative thematic analysis approach, we compared themes identified across the different participant groups. Compared to facility adherence clubs and community adherence clubs, patients in the quick pharmacy pick-up model experienced less information sharing; communication and education; and emotional/psychological support. Patients’ positive experience with a differentiated service delivery model is based on how well the model fits into their HIV disease self-management goals.

**This abstract is posted with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License**

✪ Adolescent girls and young women’s PrEP-user journey during an implementation science study in South Africa and Kenya

Authors:

Elzette Rousseau , Ariana W. K. Katz, Shannon O’Rourke, Linda-Gail Bekker, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Elizabeth Bukusi, Danielle Travill, Victor Omollo, Jennifer F. Morton, Gabrielle O’Malley, Jessica E. Haberer, Renee Heffron, Rachel Johnson, Connie Celum, Jared M. Baeten, & Ariane van der Straten

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

✪ Open Access

Published: October 2021

Read the full text in the open access journal PLOS ONE

Abstract:

Successful scale-up of PrEP for HIV prevention in African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) requires integration of PrEP into young women’s everyday lives. We conducted interviews and focus group discussions with 137 AGYW PrEP users aged 16–25 from South Africa and Kenya. Individual and relational enablers and disablers were explored at key moments during their PrEP-user journey from awareness, initiation and early use through persistence, including PrEP pauses, restarts, and discontinuation. PrEP uptake was facilitated when offered as part of an integrated sexual reproductive health service, but hampered by low awareness, stigma and misconceptions about PrEP in the community. Daily pill-taking was challenging for AGYW due to individual, relational and structural factors and PrEP interruptions (intended or unintended) were described as part of AGYW’s PrEP-user journey. Disclosure, social support, adolescent-friendly health counseling, and convenient access to PrEP were reported as key enablers for PrEP persistence.

**This abstract is posted with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License**

✪ Factors Affecting the Initiation of a Shared Decision Making Program in Obstetric Practices

Authors:

Deborah J. Bowen, Ann M. Nguyen, Cynthia LeRouge, Erin LePoire, & Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

✪ Open Access

Published: September 2021

Read the full text in the open access journal Healthcare

Abstract:

As healthcare systems progress toward initiatives that increase patient engagement, stakeholder hopes are that shared decision making (SDM) will become routine practice. Yet, there is limited empirical evidence to guide such SDM program implementations, particularly in obstetric practices. The first stage of any project implementation is the "initiation stage", in which project leaders define a project's purpose and stakeholders and structures are put in place to support the new initiative.

Our study's objective was to identify factors affecting the initiation stage of an SDM program implementation project for TOLAC, trial of labor after Cesarean. We conducted a multiple-case study of an SDM program implementation in three obstetric settings in Washington State. The research design and analysis were guided by implementation science frameworks and project management literature. Data sources included interviews with key informants from the State, SDM tool vendors, and three project sites, as well as implementation documents.

The study results provide insight into how the identified project implementation factors provide an essential foundation for informing project planning, execution, and reflection/evaluation. In this study, the State's decision aid certification program pressured the project sites to shape the project purpose and engage stakeholders that would meet immediate project requirements (specifically, state requirements).

The study reveals that external demands may not be in perfect alignment with the internal necessities required for an SDM program's long-term viability and sustainability. Findings may be used by implementers and researchers to model and strategize the early stages of SDM program implementation projects, particularly in the obstetric setting.

**This abstract is posted with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License**

✪ De-implementing and sustaining an intervention to eliminate nursing home resident bed and chair alarms: Interviews on leadership and staff perspectives

Authors:

Christine W. Hartmann, Christopher Gillespie, George G. Sayre, & A. Lynn Snow

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

✪ Open Access

Published: August 2021

Read the full text in the open access journal Implementation Science Communications

Abstract:

Background

Improving nursing home quality of care relies partly on reducing or stopping ineffective or harmful practices, a process known as de-implementation. We know little about de-implementation in this setting. Relatively recent policy changes reclassified resident position-change (bed and chair) alarms, which monitor resident movement, as restraints. This created an optimal environment in which to study impressions of an alarm de-implementation and sustainment intervention.

Methods

This cross-sectional interview study focused on understanding participants’ experience of a quality improvement program in the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers (nursing homes). The program’s goal was to improve resident outcomes and staff communication and teamwork through, among other foci, eliminating resident position-change alarms. The Community Living Centers were located in geographically dispersed areas of the continental United States. Interview participants were leadership and staff members from seven Community Living Centers. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews using a convenience sample and used a thematic analytic approach.

Results

We conducted seventeen interviews. We identified five main themes: Initiating De-implementation (compelling participants with evidence, engaging local leadership, and site-level education and training), Changing Expectations (educating staff and family members), Using Contrasting Approaches (gradual or abrupt elimination of alarms), Witnessing Positive Effects of De-implementation (reduction in resident falls, improved resident sleep, reduction in distressing behaviors, and increased resident engagement), and Staying the Course (sustainment of the initiative).

Conclusions

Findings highlight how participants overcame barriers and successfully eliminated resident position-change alarms and sustained the de-implementation through using convincing evidence for the initiative, local leadership involvement and support, and staff and family member education and engagement. These findings and the resulting three-phase process to support nursing homes' de-implementation efforts expand the de-implementation science knowledge base and provide a promising framework for other nursing home-based de-implementation initiatives.

**This abstract is posted with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License**

✪ Implementing Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents (DBT STEPS-A) in a Low-Income School

Authors:

Carla D. Chugani, Courtney E. Murphy, Janine Talis, Elizabeth Miller, Christopher McAneny, Daniel Condosta, Julie Kamnikar, Edward Wehrer, & James J. Mazza

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

✪ Open Access

Published: August 2021

Read the full text in the open access journal School Mental Health

Abstract:

Adolescents living in low-income areas often have high need for mental health supports due to experiences of poverty and trauma, coupled with limited access and availability of such supports. This study investigated the implementation of a socio-emotional learning curriculum titled, “Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents (DBT STEPS-A),” which was integrated into health classes in a low-income high school.

While preliminary evidence suggests that DBT STEPS-A can be effective in reducing mental health symptoms in high school students, this study is the first to explore the program’s acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility when implemented in a low-income school. The implementation presented here also diverged from recommended training protocols due to time and cost limitations. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 29 school stakeholders prior to implementation and from 23 school stakeholders post-implementation.

Our results indicate that DBT STEPS-A is acceptable and feasible for teachers involved in offering the program and that more work is needed to address appropriateness of the content for racially and socio-economically diverse students, ease of implementing lessons, and support for teachers using DBT STEPS-A skills outside of class. We conclude with a discussion of key implementation challenges and solutions generated.

**This abstract is posted with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License**

Financial Incentives for Pediatric HIV Testing (FIT): Caregiver Insights on Incentive Mechanisms, Focus Populations, and Acceptability for Programmatic Scale Up

Authors:

Junyi Zhang, Dana L. Atkins, Anjuli D. Wagner, Irene N. Njuguna, Jillian Neary, Vincent O. Omondi, Verlinda A. Otieno, Winnie O. Atieno, Merceline Odhiambo, Dalton C. Wamalwa, Grace John-Stewart, Jennifer A. Slyker, Bryan J. Weiner, & Kristin Beima-Sofie

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

Subscription Required for Full Text Access

Published: June 2021

Read the full text in the subscription access journal AIDS and Behavior

Exploring expanded interdisciplinary roles in goals of care conversations in a national goals of care initiative: A qualitative approach

Authors:

Jessica E Ma, Marie Haverfield, Karl A Lorenz, David B Bekelman, Cati Brown-Johnson, Natalie Lo, Mary Beth Foglia, Jill S Lowery, Anne M Walling, & Karleen F Giannitrapani

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

Subscription Required for Full Text Access

Published: June 2021

Read the full text in the subscription access journal Palliative Medicine

✪ Acceptability and Feasibility of Pharmacy-Based Delivery of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Kenya: A Qualitative Study of Client and Provider Perspectives

Authors:

Stephanie D. Roche, Njeri Wairimu, Peter Mogere, Kevin Kamolloh, Josephine Odoyo, Zachary A. Kwena, Elizabeth A. Bukusi, Kenneth Ngure, Jared M. Baeten, & Katrina F. Ortblad

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

✪ Open Access

Published: April 2021

Read the full text in the open access journal AIDS and Behavior

Abstract:

As countries scale up pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, diverse PrEP delivery models are needed to expand access to populations at HIV risk that are unwilling or unable to access clinic-based PrEP care. To identify factors that may influence implementation of retail pharmacy-based PrEP delivery in Kenya, we conducted in-depth interviews with 40 pharmacy clients, 16 pharmacy providers, 16 PrEP clients, and 10 PrEP providers from two provinces. Most participants expressed strong support for expanding PrEP to retail pharmacies, though conditioned their acceptance on assurances that care would be private, respectful, safe, and affordable. Participant-reported determinants of feasibility centered primarily on ensuring that the intervention is compatible with retail pharmacy operations (e.g., staffing levels, documentation requirements). Future research is needed to develop and test tailored packages of implementation strategies that are most effective at integrating PrEP delivery into routine pharmacy practice in Kenya and other high HIV prevalence settings.

**This abstract is posted with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License**

Provider Perspectives on Implementing Shared Decision Making for PTSD Treatment in VA Primary Care

Authors:

Jessica A. Chen, Theresa E. Matson, Keren Lehavot, Patrick J. Raue, Jessica P. Young, Molly C. Silvestrini, John C. Fortney, & Emily C. Williams

University of Washington affiliated authors are displayed in bold.

Subscription Required for Full Text Access

Published: February 2021

Read the full text in the subscription access journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research