Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND/UNASSIGNED:Evidence-based interventions (EBI) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) may face feasibility challenges due to the inadequacy of existing instruments. To address this, researchers developed the Contextual Index of Feasibility on Early-Stage Implementation in LMIC (CATALYTIC) tool, which integrates contextual factors into the assessment of feasibility. METHODS/UNASSIGNED:The tool's items were developed through a systematic review and key informant interviews, and were later assessed for relevance and importance by 13 LMIC researchers and implementers employing a Delphi technique. The survey was then tested for usability by five individuals with CVD experience in LMIC. The CATALYTIC tool consists of 17 items that measure contextual factors that directly influence early-stage LMIC implementation. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression, item reliability using Cronbach's alpha, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were performed on survey data. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:In a survey of 216 respondents from 46 countries, 63.4 to 81.5% of respondents noted a significant impact of contextual factors on implementation feasibility, with high reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.88) for 12 items. The majority of interventions focused on patient-level care in rural settings. The survey items align primarily with constructs related to implementation climate and readiness for implementation, as well as inductive themes addressing existing needs and barriers to inform intervention design. The survey found diversity in geographic and experiential backgrounds, with significant representation from South Africa, Mexico, and India. Over a third identified as researchers, and 15% held multiple roles. The survey identified three distinct factors influencing how researchers and implementers assess CVD intervention feasibility in LMIC. A 6% increase in odds for moderately feasible interventions was linked to each point increase in the composite score of perceived contextual influence. CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:Overall, the CATALYTIC tool with 12 reliable survey items can help researchers and implementers elucidate perceptions of contextual factors influencing the feasibility of CVD-related EBI in LMIC. The survey items reflect respondents' practical focus in resource-limited settings and can inform intervention design by addressing existing needs and barriers. The tool's integration of contextual factors into the assessment of feasibility can help overcome the inadequacy of existing instruments by providing more tailored and conceptually clear assessments of feasibility.

OBJECTIVE:To identify primary care structures and processes that have the highest and lowest impact on chronic disease management and screening and prevention outcomes as well as to assess the feasibility of implementing these structures and processes into practice. DESIGN/METHODS:A two-round Delphi study was conducted to establish consensus on the impact and feasibility of 258 primary care structures and processes. PARTICIPANTS/METHODS:29 primary care providers, health system leaders and health services researchers in the USA. OUTCOMES/RESULTS:Primary outcomes were (1) consensus on the impact of each structure and process on chronic disease management and screening and prevention outcomes, separately and (2) consensus on feasibility of implementation by primary care practices. RESULTS:Consensus on high impact and feasibility of implementation was reached on four items for chronic disease management: 'Providers use motivational interviewing to help patients set goals', 'Practice has designated staff to manage patient panel', 'Practice has onsite providers or staff that speak the most dominant, non-English language spoken by patients' and 'Practice includes mental health providers and/or behavioural health specialists in care team' and seven items for screening and prevention: 'Practice utilizes standing protocols and orders', 'Practice generates reports to alert clinicians to missed targets and to identify gaps in care, such as overdue visits, needed vaccinations, screenings or other preventive services', 'Practice has designated staff to manage patient panel', 'Practice sets performance goals and uses benchmarking to track quality of care', 'Practice uses performance feedback to identify practice-specific areas of improvement', 'Practice builds quality improvement activities into practice operations' and 'Pre-visit planning data are reviewed during daily huddles'. Only 'Practice has designated staff to manage patient panel' appeared on both lists. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Findings suggest that practices need to focus on implementing mostly distinct, rather than common, structures and processes to optimise chronic disease and preventive care.

BACKGROUND:Emergency departments (EDs) are critical touchpoints for overdose prevention efforts. In New York City (NYC), the Health Department's Relay initiative dispatches trained peer "Wellness Advocates" (WAs) to engage with patients in EDs after an overdose and for up to 90 days subsequently. Interest in peer-delivered interventions for patients at risk for overdose has grown nationally, but few studies have explored challenges and opportunities related to implementing such interventions in EDs. METHODS:We conducted in-depth interviews with Relay WAs, ED patients, and ED providers across 4 diverse NYC EDs. Sampling was purposeful and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide based on key domains from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviews were conducted by telephone or web conferencing; audio recordings were professionally transcribed. The study utilized rapid qualitative analysis using template summaries and summary matrices followed by line-by-line coding conducted independently by 3 researchers, then discussed and harmonized at group coding meetings. Coding was both inductive (using an a priori code list based on CFIR domains and study goals) and deductive (new codes allowed to emerge from transcripts). Dedoose software was used for data organization. RESULTS:We conducted 32 in-depth interviews (10 WAs, 12 patients, 10 ED providers). Four overarching themes emerged: 1) EDs are characterized by multiple competing demands (e.g., related to provider time and physical space), underscoring the utility of Relay and leading to some practical challenges for its delivery; 2) There is a strong role distinction of WAs as peers with lived experience; 3) ED providers value Relay, even though they have a limited understanding of its full scope and outcomes; 4) While the role of structural factors (e.g., homelessness and unstable housing) is recognized, responsibility is often placed on patients for controlling their own success. CONCLUSIONS:We identified four themes that shed new light on the implementation of peer-based overdose prevention programs in EDs. Our findings highlight unique ED inner and outer setting factors that may impact program implementation and effectiveness. The findings provide actionable information to inform implementation of similar programs nationally.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:The overdose crisis in the U.S. disproportionately impacts people experiencing homelessness. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) - permanent, affordable housing with voluntary support services - is an effective, evidence-based intervention to address homelessness. However, overdose risk remains high even after entering PSH for individual and structural reasons. In this study, we aimed to refine a set of evidence-based overdose prevention practices (EBPs) and an associated implementation support package for PSH settings using focus groups with PSH tenants, frontline staff, and leaders. METHODS:Our community-academic team identified an initial set of overdose EBPs applicable for PSH through research, public health guidance, and a needs assessment. We adapted these practices based on feedback from focus groups with PSH leaders, staff, and tenants. Focus groups followed semi-structured interview guides developed using the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment) framework constructs of inner context, outer context, and bridging factors related to overdose prevention and response. RESULTS:We conducted 16 focus groups with 40 unique participants (14 PSH tenants, 15 PSH staff, 11 PSH leaders); focus groups were held in two iterative rounds and individuals could participate in one or both rounds. Participants were diverse in gender, race, and ethnicity. Focus group participants were enthusiastic about the proposed EBPs and implementation strategies, while contributing unique insights and concrete suggestions to improve upon them. The implementation support package contains an iteratively refined PSH Overdose Prevention (POP) Toolkit with 20 EBPs surrounding overdose prevention and response, harm reduction, and support for substance use treatment and additional core implementation strategies including practice facilitation, tenant-staff champion teams, and learning collaboratives. CONCLUSIONS:This manuscript describes how robust community-academic partnerships and input from people with lived experience as tenants and staff in PSH informed adaptation of evidence-based overdose prevention approaches and implementation strategies to improve their fit for PSH settings. This effort can inform similar efforts nationally in other settings serving highly marginalized populations. We are currently conducting a randomized trial of the refined overdose prevention implementation support package in PSH.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Six hospitals within the New York City public hospital system implemented the Consult for Addiction Treatment and Care in Hospitals (CATCH) program, an interprofessional addiction consult service. A stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial tested the effectiveness of CATCH for increasing initiation and engagement in post-discharge medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment among hospital patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). The objective of this study was to identify facility characteristics that were associated with stronger performance of CATCH. METHODS:This study used a mixed methods multiple-case study design. The six hospitals in the CATCH evaluation were each assigned a case rating according to intervention reach. Reach was considered high if ≥50 % of hospitalized OUD patients received an MOUD order. Cross-case rating comparison identified attributes of high-performing hospitals and inductive and deductive approaches were used to identify themes. RESULTS:Higher-performing hospitals exhibited attributes that were generally absent in lower-performing hospitals, including (1) complete medical provider staffing; (2) designated office space and resources for CATCH; (3) existing integrated OUD treatment resources; and (4) limited overlap between the implementation period and COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS:Hospitals with attributes indicative of awareness and integration of OUD services into general care were generally higher performing than hospitals that had siloed OUD treatment programs. Future implementations of addiction consult services may benefit from an increased focus on hospital- and community-level buy-in and efforts to integrate MOUD treatment into general care.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. It is the most common cancer in Tanzania, resulting in about 9772 new cases and 6695 deaths each year. Research has shown an association between low levels of risk perception and knowledge of the prevention, risks, signs, etiology, and treatment of cervical cancer and low screening uptake, as contributing to high rates of cervical cancer-related mortality. However, there is scant literature on the perspectives of a wider group of stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, healthcare providers (HCPs), and women at risk), especially those living in rural and semi-rural settings. The main objective of this study is to understand knowledge and perspectives on cervical cancer risk and screening among these populations. METHODS:We adapted Risso-Gill and colleagues' framework for a Health Systems Appraisal (HSA), to identify HCPs' perspective of the extent to which health system requirements for effective cervical cancer screening, prevention, and control are in place in Tanzania. We adapted interview topic guides for cervical cancer screening using the HSA framework approach. Study participants (69 in total) were interviewed between 2014 and 2018-participants included key stakeholders, HCPs, and women at risk for cervical cancer. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis methodology. RESULTS:Seven themes emerged from our analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus groups: (1) knowledge of the role of screening and preventive care/services (e.g., prevention, risks, signs, etiology, and treatment), (2) training and knowledge of HCPs, (3) knowledge of cervical cancer screening among women at risk, (4) beliefs about cervical cancer screening, (5) role of traditional medicine, (6) risk factors, and (7) symptoms and signs. CONCLUSIONS:Our results demonstrate that there is a low level of knowledge of the role of screening and preventive services among stakeholders, HCPs, and women living in rural and semi-rural locations in Tanzania. There is a critical need to implement more initiatives and programs to increase the uptake of screening and related services and allow women to make more informed decisions on their health.

BACKGROUND:Vietnam is experiencing a growing burden of cancer, including among people living with HIV. Stigma acts as a sociocultural barrier to the prevention and treatment of both conditions. This study investigates how cultural notions of "respected personhood" (or "what matters most") influence manifestations of HIV-related stigma and cancer stigma in Hanoi, Vietnam. METHODS:Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with people living with HIV in Hanoi, Vietnam. Transcripts were thematically coded via a directed content analysis using the What Matters Most conceptual framework. Coding was done individually and discussed in pairs, and any discrepancies were reconciled in full-team meetings. RESULTS:Analyses elucidated that having chữ tín-a value reflecting social involvement, conscientiousness, and trustworthiness-and being successful (eg, in career, academics, or one's personal life) are characteristics of respected people in this local cultural context. Living with HIV and having cancer were seen as stigmatized and interfering with these values and capabilities. Intersectional stigma toward having both conditions was seen to interplay with these values in some ways that had distinctions compared with stigma toward either condition alone. Participants also articulated how cultural values like chữ tín are broadly protective against stigmatization and how getting treatment and maintaining employment can help individuals resist stigmatization's most acute impacts. CONCLUSIONS:HIV-related and cancer stigma each interfere with important cultural values and capabilities in Vietnam. Understanding these cultural manifestations of these stigmas separately and intersectionally can allow for greater ability to measure and respond to these stigmas through culturally tailored intervention.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will nearly double by 2040. Available evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for cancer prevention and early detection can reduce cancer-related mortality, yet there is a lack of evidence on effectively scaling these EBIs in LMIC settings. METHODS:We conducted a scoping review to identify published literature from six databases between 2012 and 2022 that described efforts for scaling cancer prevention and early detection EBIs in LMICs. Included studies met one of two definitions of scale-up: (1) deliberate efforts to increase the impact of effective intervention to benefit more people or (2) an intervention shown to be efficacious on a small scale expanded under real-world conditions to reach a greater proportion of eligible population. Study characteristics, including EBIs, implementation strategies, and outcomes used, were summarized using frameworks from the field of implementation science. RESULTS:This search yielded 3,076 abstracts, with 24 studies eligible for inclusion. Included studies focused on a number of cancer sites including cervical (67%), breast (13%), breast and cervical (13%), liver (4%), and colon (4%). Commonly reported scale-up strategies included developing stakeholder inter-relationships, training and education, and changing infrastructure. Barriers to scale-up were reported at individual, health facility, and community levels. Few studies reported applying conceptual frameworks to guide strategy selection and evaluation. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Although there were relatively few published reports, this scoping review offers insight into the approaches used by LMICs to scale up cancer EBIs, including common strategies and barriers. More importantly, it illustrates the urgent need to fill gaps in research to guide best practices for bringing the implementation of cancer EBIs to scale in LMICs.

BACKGROUND:Quitline counseling is an effective method for supporting smoking cessation, offering personalized and accessible assistance. Tobacco use is a significant public health issue among people living with HIV. In Vietnam, over 50% of men living with HIV use tobacco. However, there is limited research on Quitline use and retention rates in this population and a lack of research on factors associated with retention in Quitline counseling. The study aims to evaluate the factors associated with retention in Quitline counseling for smoking cessation among HIV-positive smokers receiving care at HIV outpatient clinics in Vietnam. METHOD/METHODS:The study analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared the effectiveness of three smoking cessation interventions for smokers living with HIV at 13 Outpatient Clinics in Ha Noi. A total of 221 smokers aged 18 and above living with HIV participated in Arm 1 of the RCT, which included screening for tobacco use (Ask), health worker-delivered brief counseling (Assist), and proactive referral to Vietnam's national Quitline (AAR), in which the Quitline reached out to the patient to engage them in up to 10 sessions of smoking cessation counseling. Retention in Quitline counseling was defined as participating in more than five counseling calls. The study used bivariate and logistic regression analyses to explore the associations between retention and other factors. RESULTS:Fifty-one percent of HIV-positive smokers completed more than five counseling sessions. Smokers living with HIV aged 35 or older (OR = 5.53, 95% CI 1.42-21.52), who had a very low/low tobacco dependence level (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.14-4.51), had a lower score of perceived importance of quitting cigarettes (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.99), had a household ban or partial ban on cigarettes smoking (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.39-4.80), and had chosen a quit date during the Quitline counseling (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.63-5.53) were more likely to retain in the Quitline counseling than those smokers living with HIV whose ages were less than 35, who had a high/very high tobacco dependence level, had a higher score of perception of the importance of quitting cigarettes, did not have a household ban on cigarettes smoking, and did not choose a quit date during counseling. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:There is a high retention rate in Quitline counseling services among PLWHs receiving care at HIV outpatient clinics. Tailoring interventions to the associated factors such as age, tobacco dependence, perceived importance of quitting, household smoking bans, and setting a quit date during counseling may improve engagement and outcomes, aiding in the reduction of smoking prevalence among HIV-positive individuals.

BACKGROUND:Permanent supportive housing (PSH)-subsidized housing paired with support services such as case management-is a key part of national strategic plans to end homelessness. PSH tenants face high overdose risk due to a confluence of individual and environmental risk factors, yet little research has examined overdose prevention in PSH. METHODS:We describe the protocol for a hybrid type 3 stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of overdose prevention practice implementation in PSH. We adapted evidence-based overdose prevention practices and implementation strategies for PSH using input from stakeholder focus groups. The trial will include 20 PSH buildings (with building size ranging from 20 to over 150 tenants) across New York City and New York's Capital Region. Buildings will be randomized to one of four 6-month intervention waves during which they will receive a package of implementation support including training in using a PSH Overdose Prevention (POP) Toolkit, time-limited practice facilitation, and learning collaboratives delivered to staff and tenant implementation champions appointed by each building. The primary outcome is building-level fidelity to a defined list of overdose prevention practices. Secondary and exploratory implementation and effectiveness outcomes will be examined using PSH staff and tenant survey questionnaires, and analysis of tenant Medicaid data. We will explore factors related to implementation success, including barriers and facilitators, using qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. The project is being conducted through an academic-community partnership, and an Advisory Board including PSH tenants and other key stakeholders will be engaged in all stages of the project. DISCUSSION:We describe the protocol for a hybrid type 3 stepped-wedge cluster RCT of overdose prevention practice implementation in PSH. This study will be the first controlled trial of overdose prevention implementation in PSH settings. The research will make a significant impact by testing and informing future implementation strategies to prevent overdose for a population at particularly high risk for overdose mortality. Findings from this PSH-focused research are expected to be broadly applicable to other housing settings and settings serving people experiencing homelessness. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05786222 , registered 27 March 2023.