Rapid response research to inform HIV policy decision-making

Rapid response research to inform HIV policy decision-making: Lessons learned from California's Collaborative HIV/AIDS Policy Research Centers I. W. Holloway, W. T. Steward, J. Mortimer, P. Curtis, D. Van Gorden, A Leibowitz, S. Morin, C. Mulhern-Pearson, A. Donnelly, A. J. King, A. Fox, C. Pulsipher, D. Evans, G. Lemp International AIDS Conference Durban, South Africa July 20, 2016

Background § California HIV/AIDS Research Program previously funded specific policy research projects § Challenge of timeliness § Policy environment moves quickly § Processes of funding new project and scaling up research moves more slowly § Research data sometimes were not available to inform policy decisions 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 2

Background § UCSF permitted to alter one project’s deliverables to develop simulations of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funding § Through dialog with policy stakeholders, able to inform decisions for the 2006 reauthorization of program § Led to the idea for standing policy research centers 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 3

California HIV/AIDS Policy Centers • The Centers will bring the most relevant and timely evidence to bear on HIV/AIDS policy in order to develop and maintain efficient, accessible, state-of-the-art programs and services for the diverse populations of Californians living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 4

The Centers • Northern California – UCSF – San Francisco AIDS Foundation – Project Inform • Southern California – UCLA – AIDS Project Los Angeles – Los Angeles LGBT Center 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 5

Policy Research Advisory Committee 1. Identify, prioritize key HIV/AIDS issues for which academic research could assist in stronger HIV policy/program decisions in CA; 2. Develop research questions to recommend to the Executive Committee of the Policy Research Centers; and 3. Identify individuals interested in participating in the development of research projects taken on by the policy centers 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 6

Policy Research Advisory Committee § Two meetings in northern and southern California each year with diverse stakeholders § Bring together a broad range of HIV/AIDS expertise to identify critical HIV/AIDS issues that would benefit from targeted research in order to strengthen California's response to HIV/AIDS. 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 7

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Case Example: Pr. EP Access • Pr. EP identified as important strategy to prevent new infections • PRAC helped us identify access to prevention and treatment services as an important issue for YMSM, especially YMSM of color • Community and academic partners worked together to develop and field a survey of YMSM on Pr. EP awareness, willingness, uptake and barriers 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 9

Case Example: Pr. EP Access • We found high willingness, but significant barriers including lack of knowledge and concerns about affordability (particularly among YMSM of color) • How did the information inform the advocacy? • Policy impact included the Pr. EP affordability program and bill to include information about Pr. EP in HIV post-test counseling 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 10

Lessons Learned • Balancing research and policy environment demands – Rapid response research ideally anticipates upcoming policy questions – Leaves more time to complete a project – Particularly important if research design is likely to require IRB review 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 11

Lessons Learned • Facilitating dialog between researchers and policy stakeholders – Each field: Unique expertise, unique communication demands – Research partners: craft scientific questions and research design based on concerns coming from policy stakeholders – Community partners: facilitate delivery of research findings back to policy stakeholders. 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 12

Thank you! Funding Acknowledgements: Each partner of the HIV/AIDS Policy Research Centers is supported by a grant from the California HIV/AIDS Program UCLA: RP 15 -LA-007 UCSF: RP 11 -SF-021 AIDS Project Los Angeles/Los Angeles LGBT Center: RP 15 -LA-008/9 San Francisco AIDS Foundation /Project Inform: RP 11 -SFAF-023 19 -Mar-18 IAC, Durban, South Africa 13