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 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa2

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 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa3

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. 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa4

The Centers Northern California – UCSF – San Francisco AIDS Foundation – Project Inform Southern California – UCLA – AIDS Project Los Angeles – Los Angeles LGBT Center 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa5

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 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa6

 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. 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa7 Policy Research Advisory Committee

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Case Example: PrEP Access PrEP 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 PrEP awareness, willingness, uptake and barriers 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa9

Case Example: PrEP 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 PrEP affordability program and bill to include information about PrEP in HIV post-test counseling 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa10

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 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa11

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. 1-Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa12

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: RP15-LA-007 UCSF: RP11-SF-021 AIDS Project Los Angeles/Los Angeles LGBT Center: RP15-LA-008/9 San Francisco AIDS Foundation /Project Inform: RP11-SFAF Oct-16IAC, Durban, South Africa13