Table 2 Engagement activities and tactics stratified by themes
Engagement activities | Descriptions |
|---|---|
Theme 1: Understanding the unique culture and community of each OTP | |
Learning the culture of the OTP | Research team learns about the OTP and its mission CM supports the OTP staff by integrating into OTP workflows |
Attending OTP events | CM illustrates interest in patient-participants as individuals beyond the study CM integrates into overall OTP activities |
Theme 2: Building trusting relationships through education, communication, and feedback | |
Staff appreciation and learning lunches | Research team presents study procedures to OTP staff Research team educates OTP staff about HCV Research team obtains feedback from OTP staff and patient-participants to troubleshoot challenges OTP staff and patient-participants appreciate and express the value of an HCV cure |
TM introductory video | CM introduces concept of facilitated TM to patient-participants |
Language translations | Research team demonstrates respect and expands reach of patient-participants |
Theme 3: Enhancing collaborative care and incorporating the patient voice to improve health outcomes | |
Research team roles | Telemedicine provider Patient-participants connect with HCV specialist to manage HCV care remotely Case manager Facilitates TM encounters and HCV treatment Addresses patient-participant concerns and questions |
Patient-participant incentives | Research team demonstrates respect for patient-participants’ time Patient-participants value financial compensation |
Warm handoffs | Counselor introduces patient-participants to CM CM disseminates study-specific information CM establishes trusting relationships with patient-participants CM addresses patient-participants’ concerns or misconceptions related to study, HCV treatment, or facilitated TM |
OTP staff roles | Counselor Introduces patient-participants to CM Facilitates patient-participants contact to promote recruitment, enrollment, retention, and adherence Recognizes profound changes after HCV cure in patient-participants Onsite clinician Acts as familiar face to patient-participants during TM encounters Addresses patient-participant concerns, co-morbidities, and treatment-related questions and concerns Reinforces medication adherence Enhances connectivity with TM provider Nurse Dispenses methadone and HCV medications Acts as a first line of contact for patient-participants with questions or adverse events Maintains confidentiality during dosing Illustrates trust with expanded “take-home” doses |
Patient advisory committee | Represents the patients’ voices Addresses concerns about study procedures Provides feedback to research team Reinforces importance of study participation Disseminates information to patients |