What implications did the lack of inclusion of clean needles in the prevention package have on trial results?
The results sparked global excitement for the evidence for PrEP efficacy was revealed which in the research circles was a win. However, the concerns of key stakeholder groups were completely ignored throughout the duration of the trial. The first major concern was the research team’s utter exclusion of stakeholders groups when planning, negotiating and ultimately deciding on the HIV prevention package. Because of the prevention package some advocates and researhcers questioned the legitimacy of the study. Other concerns included the absence of community consultation during the design and development of the protocol; the uncertainty of care for seroconverters and HIV-positive individuals who were screened out; and the lack of protection mechanisms for participants within the unpredictable national context. The lack of sustained, collaborative partnering between this research team and these key stakeholder groups resulted in a discord between the two entities, with doubt about future stakeholder support for any further PrEP research and its potential roll out in Thailand.
How can researchers engage stakeholders to better negotiate comprehensive prevention packages tailored to the needs of diverse subgroups?
Involve key stakeholder groups right from the beginning to the end of the study! Be transparent and get stakeholder input where it is needed and keep them informed of every step in the study process.
