PEER NAVIGATION PROJECT (PNP) – DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
Background
The extent to which the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals can be achieved depends in part upon PLHIV successfully navigating the health system at key points in their lives, as well as their broader psychological and social wellbeing. Peer navigators have been identified as a valuable evidence-based intervention to help achieve these. Trained peers can provide regular informal assistance on a one-to-one basis, including:
- Providing emotional, psychological and supportive discussions
- Providing education and practical assistance on disease management, treatment options and lifestyle change
- Sharing of experience and insights
- Facilitating interactions with HCPs
This initial demonstration project was to establish the feasibility and viability of a broader study. This identified core elements and strategies for the effective implementation and scale up of a peer navigator program.
Design
This was a non-randomised opt-in peer navigator service within participating clinics over a period of up to 3 years. The project implemented a HIV-positive peer liaison officer in six high PLHIV case load clinics. These represent 2 major government hospital clinics, 2 community clinics and 2 private clinics to allow analysis by setting type. Three trained peer navigators were employed to work across the 6 clinics. The peer navigators were available following in-house referral at the time of (or soon after) new HIV-positive diagnoses.
Primary objectives
- To develop protocols, processes and data collection tools embedded in the PNP to start implementation research
- To commence data collection of the implementation of the PNP in Victoria.
- To report on baseline implementation research data collection and refine data collection processes if required.
- To pursue options for the continuation of data collection and analysis in a longer-term study.
Study results to come at the conclusion of Peer Navigation Project 2.
Collaborators
Dr. Graham Brown
Location
La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
Setting
Hospital, community and private clinics Location Australia
Duration
Oct 2018 – May 2019
Category
Retention in Care and Adherence
RELATED STUDIES
AUSTRALIA
This study is an extension of the Peer Navigator Project demonstration project and evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of a peer navigator program across 6 different healthcare settings.
USA
In an effort to increase early diagnosis of HIV and improve linkage to care, this project evaluates the impact of a comprehensive training package to support opt out HIV testing.
USA
In an effort to increase retention in care, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of phone calls from primary caregiver to retain HIV positive patients in care and within the same health care system.
Study focus areas
Our implementation research projects have a global reach and focus on improving the HIV prevention and care continuum.
NP-GBL-HVX-WCNT-220049 October 2023
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GlaxoSmithKline on 0800 221441.
If you are from outside the UK, you can report adverse events to GSK/ViiV by selecting your region and market, here.
