Pilot-Testing a Blended Learning Package for Health Care Workers to Improve Index Testing Services in Southern Malawi: An Implementation Science Study.
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr
; 88(5): 470-476, 2021 12 15.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34483296
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
HIV index testing, an intervention in which HIV-positive "indexes" (persons diagnosed with HIV) are supported to recruit their "contacts" (sexual partners and children) efficiently identifies HIV-infected persons in need of treatment and HIV-uninfected persons in need of prevention. However, index testing implementation in sub-Saharan African health care settings has been suboptimal. The objective of this study was to develop and pilot test a blended learning capacity-building package to improve index testing implementation in Malawi.METHODS:
In 2019, a blended learning package combining digital and face-to-face training modalities was field tested at 6 health facilities in Mulanje, Malawi using a pre-/post- type II hybrid design with implementation and effectiveness outcomes. Health care worker (HCW) fidelity to the intervention was assessed via observed encounters before and after the training. Preliminary effectiveness was examined by comparing index testing program indicators in the 2 months before and 4 months after the training. Indicators included the mean number of indexes screened, contacts elicited, and contacts who received HIV testing per facility per month.RESULTS:
On a 30-point scale, HCW fidelity to index testing protocols improved from 6.0 pre- to 25.5 post-package implementation (P = 0.002). Index testing effectiveness indicators also increased indexes screened (pre = 63, post = 101, P < 0.001); contacts elicited (pre = 75, post = 131, P < 0.001); and contacts who received HIV testing (pre = 27, post = 41, P = 0.014).CONCLUSIONS:
The blended learning package improved fidelity to index testing protocols and preliminary effectiveness outcomes. This package has the potential to enhance implementation of HIV index testing approaches, a necessary step for ending the HIV epidemic.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções por HIV
/
Pessoal de Saúde
/
Ciência da Implementação
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Sysrev_observational_studies
Aspecto:
Implementation_research
Limite:
Child
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr
Assunto da revista:
SINDROME DA IMUNODEFICIENCIA ADQUIRIDA (AIDS)
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Malauí