Engaging Health Care Providers In HIV Vaccine Research: Findings From In-Depth Interviews

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis:  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) developed the NIAID HIV Vaccine Research Education Initiative (NHVREI) to create an environment in which HIV affected communities are more aware and supportive of HIV vaccine research. Research suggested that health care providers are among the most trustworthy sources of HIV vaccine research information, however, little is known about their awareness of trials, and their ability and willingness to provide information about this topic. NHVREI engaged in formative research to inform the development of educational materials about HIV vaccine research for health care providers. 

Methods:  In-depth interviews were conducted with nine health care providers representing three health care backgrounds (general physicians, trained volunteers or professionals in HIV and/or STD screening settings that offer counseling/education related to sexual health, nurses/physician assistants). Participants were located in United States cities/regions with ongoing HIV prevention research. A trained interviewer used a semi-structured guide. Participants reviewed sample educational materials and completed a worksheet for comparing formats in advance of the interview. 

Results:  HIV vaccine research was perceived positively by participants and was considered necessary to encourage medical advances. All but one participant had little or no knowledge of specific HIV vaccine research studies. Most participants perceived that an HIV vaccine was possible, while acknowledging that the process would be difficult. Participants voiced questions about HIV vaccine research: general inquiries about the current stat0e of HIV vaccine trials, specific questions about the vaccines being tested; short- and long-term safety implications; risks and benefits of participation; and potential ethical concerns if an HIV vaccine was successfully developed. Most doctors have never been asked about HIV vaccine research by patients or clients, while most testers/counselors and nurses/physician assistants have been asked questions about the existence of a vaccine. Most participants would be comfortable speaking with their patients about HIV vaccine research on a broad level (i.e., that a vaccine does not exist, that research is being conducted to find a vaccine), but would need more information to answer specific questions or provide recommendations about participation to their patients. While some were interested in bringing up HIV vaccine research with their patients, others were less interested because they perceive their patients to be at low risk for HIV or not to need or be interested in information about HIV vaccine research. Most participants were interested in receiving educational materials about biomedical HIV prevention research to increase their understanding of the topic. 

Conclusions:  Findings confirm the need for educational materials for health care providers. Although differing slightly in the type and depth of information desired, the findings suggest that the HIV vaccine research education needs of HIV testers/counselors, nurses, physician assistants, and medical doctors can be met with one set of products.

Implications for research and/or practice:  Although formal training for different types of health care providers varies, informational needs related to HIV vaccine research are similar. Before developing original materials for multiple audiences, conduct testing to identify existing knowledge, awareness, and attitudes.