Building the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program bench in Kentucky: inspiring sustainability

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• HIV/AIDS Management

Background:

• The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) provides essential services to people with HIV (PWH).
• Limited training opportunities for RWHAP staff can impact knowledge retention and patient care.
• Organizations may face challenges in maintaining program-specific expertise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a videoconference learning series in enhancing RWHAP staff competence.
• To improve understanding of RWHAP guidelines and their application in program management.
• To support staff learning needs and optimize service delivery for PWH.

Main Methods:

• An 11-session videoconference learning series was developed and delivered.
• Quantitative pre- and post-session data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests.
• Qualitative data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Participants showed significant improvement in self-reported knowledge, confidence, and skills after each session.
• The learning series received high satisfaction ratings (mean 8.5/10.0) and met participant learning needs.
• 136 staff from 23 organizations, primarily in Kentucky, participated.

Conclusions:

• The videoconference series effectively enhanced RWHAP staff's understanding of program guidelines.
• The training promoted compliant program management and supported staff development.
• This initiative is expected to optimize service delivery and improve patient outcomes for PWH.