Understanding implementation: Experiences of community-based organizations using innovative technologies for “prevention with positives”

Background Access to effective group-based “prevention with positives” interventions is insufficient and could be expanded by delivering programs over video-conferencing via video-phones accessed in private rooms at community-based organizations (CBOs). However, related feasibility and implementation challenges haven't been explored. Part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), women living with HIV (WLH) completed the Healthy Relationships group intervention via video-phones (HR-VP) accessed at CBOs. Each organization had > 1 administrative contact for HR-VP and > 1 staff liaison who managed the project at the site, including preparing equipment, greeting participants, disseminating gift cards, etc. Group facilitation and video-conference support were provided by other entities. This analysis focuses on experiences of CBOs offering access to HR-VG. Methods We conducted individual interviews with all administrative and staff representatives (n=14) actively assigned to the project across all 6 community sites 10 months into the RCT. A thematic analysis (Guest, MacQueen, & Namey, 2011) was employed by a coding/analytic team. Results Respondents revealed three major benefits to providing HR-VP: participant empowerment and support; personal satisfaction for liaisons; and improved organizational visibility and funding opportunities. Challenges were related to research activities (participant incentives and computerized assessments) or logistics that could be readily addressed (scheduling and training needs for site liaisons). Conclusions Administrators and site liaisons for HR-VP found the program beneficial. Challenges were minimal and could be overcome easily. Findings support the feasibility of video-group delivery of “prevention with positives” interventions at CBOs. Studies should explore this approach with other HIV-positive and at-risk populations.