Assessing Implementation Strategies for the Uptake of Bundled Interventions to Improve Culturally Relevant Care for Black women with HIV

Andrea Dakin, PhD, MA
AIDS Foundation Chicago

Serena Rajabiun, PhD
University of Massachusetts Lowell

Alicia Downes, LMSW
AIDS United

Corliss Heath, PhD
US Department of Health and Human Services

ABSTRACT:
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HIV/AIDS Bureau(HAB), Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP), Part F- Special Projects of National Significance initiative entitled Improving Care and Treatment Coordination for Black women with HIV funded 12 clinical and community-based organizations and one evaluation center to adapt, implement, and assess the uptake of evidence based/informed (EB/EI) bundled interventions to improve health outcomes and well-being for Black women with HIV. This study examines the successes, challenges, and adaptations to implementation strategies to support intervention uptake and cultural responsiveness for Black women with HIV.

Guided by the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation, the Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center working in partnership with the demonstration sites selected five implementation strategies for intervention uptake: tailoring interventions to local context; train/educate stakeholders; evaluation and iterative strategies; engaging consumers; and changing infrastructure. Tracking implementation strategies and adaptations across sites required multiple approaches to data collection, as each of the twelve sites bundled two-four EB/EIs. Modifications to strategies during the pre-implementation and implementation phases were documented using FRAME-IS core modules gathered through monthly coaching calls with sites and annual site visits with evaluation center coaches and site implementation teams. This presentation will outline the data collection and analysis methods employed by the evaluation center, as well as present a case study from one of the demonstration sites.