The development and evaluation of an HIV implementation science network in New England: lessons learned

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Public Health Research
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• Established a regional implementation science network in New England in 2014.
• Focused on accelerating HIV prevention and treatment research through collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate the structure and impact of an implementation science network.
• To identify critical factors for building and sustaining such a network.

Main Methods:

• Formed a partnership between university researchers and community stakeholders.
• Collected data via surveys, interviews, and network event dialogues.
• Conducted a 2017 sociocentric network assessment of collaborations.

Main Results:

• Facilitated 988 connections, leading to 185 published manuscripts and 15 funded grants.
• Identified eight instrumental factors for network success: acknowledging diverse perspectives, balancing expertise, consistent engagement, seed funding, membership flexibility, maintaining interactions, supporting local efforts, and strong relationships with health departments and CBOs.

Conclusions:

• Developing and maintaining a regional implementation science network for HIV is feasible.
• Such networks can foster new and productive partnerships among researchers, community organizations, and members.