Harmonizing Implementation and Outcome Data Across HIV Prevention and Care Studies in Resource-Constrained Settings

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Public Health Research
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Establishing common data elements for research harmonization is crucial but rarely documented.
• The Prevention And Treatment through a Comprehensive Care Continuum for HIV-affected Adolescents in Resource Constrained Settings (PATC³H) consortium involved eight federally-funded studies.
• Harmonizing measures is essential for comparing results and strengthening scientific rigor, especially in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail a rigorous, 2-year process for harmonizing measures across multiple HIV-focused studies.
• To develop a common set of implementation science constructs for use in low- and middle-income countries.
• To inform future data harmonization efforts and strengthen the generalizability of research findings.

Main Methods:

• Created a repository of measured constructs from each participating study.
• Classified and selected constructs for harmonization across key domains: implementation science, HIV prevention/care, demographics, sexual behavior, mental health, substance use, and economic assessment.
• Harmonized implementation science constructs using the RE-AIM framework and Implementation Outcomes Framework for staff and participants.

Main Results:

• Successfully harmonized measures across diverse domains, with a focus on implementation science constructs.
• Developed a codified set of implementation science measures for reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance, feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and fidelity.
• The process provides a replicable model for future data harmonization initiatives.

Conclusions:

• The described harmonization process and developed measures can enhance collaborative research and the comparability of findings.
• Recommendations for research consortia include ensuring representation, adopting a flexible and transparent approach, and addressing real-world events.
• Strengthening the literature on implementation science harmonization is vital for advancing research in resource-limited settings.