scholarly journals The development and evaluation of an HIV implementation science network in New England: lessons learned

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob J. van den Berg ◽  
Elaine O’Keefe ◽  
Daniel Davidson ◽  
David A. Fiellin ◽  
Trace Kershaw ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Describe and evaluate an implementation science network focused on HIV prevention and treatment in New England. Methods In 2014, we established a partnership among university researchers and community stakeholders to stimulate and support HIV-related implementation research. We solicited information from Network members through surveys, interviews at Network events, and dialog with participants. In 2017, we conducted a sociocentric network assessment of collaborations on research projects, grants, manuscripts, and consultations. Results We identified 988 connections made through the Network that resulted in 185 manuscripts published and 15 grants funded. Our experience indicated that eight factors were instrumental in building and sustaining the Network: (1) acknowledging different perspectives, (2) balancing content and expertise, (3) encouraging consistent engagement, (4) providing seed funding, (5) membership flexibility, (6) maintenance of Network interactions, (7) supporting local HIV prevention and treatment efforts, and (8) maintaining productive relationships with health departments and community-based organizations. Conclusions Developing and maintaining a regional network on implementation science for HIV prevention and treatment is feasible and can facilitate new and productive partnerships among researchers and community organizations and members.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy Farr ◽  
Carole J Decker ◽  
John Spertus

Research Objective: A challenge to improving the quality and value of healthcare has been the need for multiple stakeholders to collaborate in a coordinated effort. To address this, a novel program has been developed to create a regional commitment to deliver high quality care that is more patient-centered and efficient. Study Design: The Kansas City Quality & Value Innovation Consortium (QVIC) has created a network of hospitals and other stakeholder to collaborate and innovate on healthcare delivery. This initiative began by first identifying healthcare systems’ priorities through individual meetings with leadership from regional hospitals, including CEOs, CNOs, COOs, CQOs, and CMOs. Concurrently, meetings were held with payers, hospital associations, providers, health departments, researchers, patients, and community-based organizations (CBOs). These interviews identified 32 key quality improvement topics. Focus groups and surveys reduced this to 11 topics that were then selected for community forums where stakeholders provided brief presentations on the biggest challenges and strategies for improving healthcare value within the specified topic. A multi-stakeholder advisory board was created to oversee the program. Through this mixed methods approach, valuable feedback from the strategic advisory board, community forums, and surveys were aggregated and resulted in the selection of two topics. Population Studied: Study participants included leadership from 14 regional hospitals, 4 payer organizations, 2 state hospital associations, 4 public health departments, and 9 community based organizations, as well as 50+ regional researchers. In total, over 75 meetings and interviews with more than 200 individuals and groups were held. The twenty community forums have been attended by over 1,700 attendees. Principal Findings: Evaluations of the community forums have shown broad interest and satisfaction. The QVIC efforts have been recognized as a community asset for helping build collaboration and partnerships across stakeholder groups and competitors. Ultimately, these two regional initiatives (opioid management and transitions in heart failure care to reduce readmissions by impacting social determinants of health) were selected for novel implementation, measurement, and dissemination strategies. A suite of interventions is being offered and adopted by providers, within each of the two regional initiatives. Metrics for quantifying improvements in healthcare value are being developed and data collection is beginning. Implementation strategies are identified and being customized for pragmatic integration into each healthcare system. Conclusions: While the entire country is grappling with the challenge of improving the quality of care, while lowering its costs, Kansas City has modeled a unique culture and strategy for achieving this goal.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Shostak ◽  
Margarita Corral ◽  
Ann G. Ward ◽  
Alex Willett

This article describes a senior capstone, Neighborhoods and Health, which used community-based research (CBR) as its primary pedagogy. Students in the course drew upon multiple research methods and forms of data to provide our partner, the Urban Farming Institute of Boston, with an array of research products in support of the revitalization of a historic farm in the Boston neighborhood of Mattapan. Based on pre- and posttest assessment and analysis of students’ reflections in their journals, we identify how a multimethods approach—combined with a commitment to producing usable research products—simultaneously contributed to students’ research methods proficiency and their understanding of complex social processes. For both sociology departments and interdisciplinary majors that draw on sociological perspectives, CBR offers a compelling means of providing seniors with meaningful capstone experiences while adding capacity to the important work of community-based organizations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia M. Rodriguez ◽  
Alexa M. Lahey ◽  
Justin J. MacNeill ◽  
Rebecca G. Martinez ◽  
Nina E. Teo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare some of the United States’ most devastating health and social inequities faced by people experiencing homelessness. Homeless populations experience disproportionate rates of underlying health conditions, stigma and marginalization that often disenfranchise them from health and social services, and living conditions that potentiate the risk of COVID-19 transmission and adverse outcomes. Methods: Guided by the socio-ecological model, this community-based participatory research study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis on people experiencing homelessness in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and the ways in which homeless service providers prepared for, experienced, and responded to the pandemic. Eighteen (18) semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 15 community-based organizations, including shelters and other homeless service providers.Results: Qualitative content analysis revealed multilevel challenges and responses to COVID-19 impact mitigation in this community, including the implementation of diverse safety measures, policies and novel service delivery innovations.Conclusions: Community-based organizations, including homeless shelters, are uniquely qualified to inform pandemic response and disaster risk mitigation in order to respond appropriately to the specific needs of people experiencing homelessness. Many of the emergency measures put in place by homeless service providers in Tippecanoe County, Indiana created opportunities for innovative solutions to longstanding challenges faced by homeless populations that can inform better service delivery moving forward, long after the COVID-19 pandemic. The lessons learned and shared by homeless service providers on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic have important implications to improve future disaster response for homeless and other vulnerable populations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 497-497
Author(s):  
Erin Emery-Tiburcio ◽  
Robyn Golden ◽  
Michelle Newman

Abstract CATCH-ON, the collaborative GWEP led by Rush University Medical Center, is working to create Age-Friendly Communities by assuring that health systems, community-based organizations, and older adults and families are educated about the 4Ms. For providers, CATCH-ON offers a monthly Learning Community that focuses on one of the 4Ms each quarter. Each session provides practical recommendations for 4Ms implementation and opportunities to share experiences in small groups. CATCH-ON also partnered with Community Catalyst, older adults, and caregivers to develop a 4Ms educational brochure. The brochure is available electronically and by paper to educate older adults and caregivers about the 4Ms and discussing them with their healthcare team. Additionally, CATCH-ON created 4M online modules for older adults and families. This session will explore the success and lessons learned in developing educational interventions for diverse audiences and how this approach strengthens Age-Friendly Communities.


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