Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices to Reduce Youth HIV Transmission and Improve Self-Management: A Survey of Key Stakeholder Perspectives

Abstract

Understanding the implementation process is critical to disseminating effective interventions that reduce HIV risk and improve self-management in youth populations. As part of a multi-center implementation study, providers (N = 128) from 13 HIV prevention and care sites were surveyed to capture their perspectives on evidence-based practices (EBPs) and their discharge. We employ a descriptive analysis of their perspectives before implementation as defined by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) model, with comparisons between organizational role and study site. Factors of interest included the following: attitudes toward EBPs, perceptions of organizational climate, perceptions of leadership behavior, implementation climate, and provider views on organizational support. These factors were assessed using scales with 5-point Likert response options. Attitudinal domains such as Appeal (α = 3.24), Fit (α = 3.31), and Requirements (α = 3.20), were positive. Similarly, providers on average perceived organizational support efforts meant to facilitate EBP implementation (α = 2.74). Our findings point to provider attitudes, perceptions of work climate, general organizational support, and leadership as impacting adoption and sustainment of EBPs. Secondary analysis indicates that some perceptions and attitudes differ by site and by professional role in some assessment domains. Our study highlights factors such as provider attitudes and perspectives on the organizational and implementation climates and on leadership behaviors as impacting EPB implementation.