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Publication Profiles

Strengthening HIV Prevention Services Through an Implementation Science Approach: Perspectives From the HIV Testers in Philadelphia

Citation

Wood SM, Meanley S, Bonett S, et al. Strengthening HIV Prevention Services Through an Implementation Science Approach: Perspectives From the HIV Testers in Philadelphia. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2022;90(S1):S90-S97. doi:10.1097/QAI.0000000000002969

Implementation stage:

Pre-Implementation

Implementation outcomes reported:

Not applicable

Continuum target addressed:

HIV testing, Linkage to preventative care, PrEP initiation

Geography:

Philadelphia County-PA

Study Participant Classification:

Providers

Plain Language Objectives

The researchers wanted to understand what Philadelphia HIV testers did well, where they needed more support, and what agency-level barriers limited prevention services. They also assessed whether testers would adopt new training and implementation strategies.

Plain Language Abstract

HIV testers connect clients with prevention services and can identify gaps within the organizations where they work. In 2019, researchers partnered with the Philadelphia health department and collected two web surveys from about 40 testers each, plus 11 in-depth interviews. Testers reported strong confidence and competence in HIV testing but gaps in sexually transmitted infection knowledge, only moderate willingness to recommend pre-exposure prophylaxis, and insufficient cultural competency for some priority populations. They also said agency materials and policies sometimes needed revision to better affirm sexual and gender minority clients. Interview participants described limited funding that increased competition among organizations, weakened partnerships, and restricted services for key populations. The findings informed plans for a train-the-trainer program with skills practice, technical assistance, and organization-wide capacity building. This was an implementation-planning study: it identified determinants and proposed a response but did not test whether training improved tester knowledge, agency practices, referrals, or HIV outcomes. Survey and interview findings reflect participating Philadelphia testers and agencies rather than all prevention workers.

Key Takeaways

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Implementation Science Frameworks

Outcomes

Community Partnerships

Welcome to the Dashboard

This dashboard provides an accessible way to explore national and jurisdictional findings from implementation science research supporting the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. The homepage gives you quick access to major sections of the site and highlights key insights drawn from ongoing research and community partnerships.

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