Theme: Models of Care Year: 2022
Background:
In 2021, as part of updating the 2016 Consolidated Guidelines for HIV prevention, diagnosis,
treatment, and care to also include viral Hepatitis and STIs, the World Health Organisation (WHO)
agreed for the first time to collaborate with key populations networks to conduct community-led
values and preferences research to inform guidelines review process. INPUD conducted the arm of
the WHO Values and Preferences Study with People Who Use Drugs across WHO regions.
Description of model of care/intervention:
The INPUD/WHO Values and Preferences Study will be used as a case example to demonstrate the
role and importance of community-led values and preferences research in relation to key
populations. Consideration will be given to study rationale, ethical considerations, the research
process and how the key findings informed the guidelines development process including the GRADE
recommendations.
Effectiveness:
The wider implications of community-led values and preferences research and the potential benefits
for informing innovative models of care and health service delivery among people who use drugs we
also be considered. I will also reflect on the critical insights this type of research can provide into
linkages and access to care including enabling interventions, community empowerment and strategies
to address structural barriers to accessing health interventions.
Conclusion and Next Steps:
To conclude, the presentation will reflect on the role of community-led values and preferences
research in shaping implementation considerations and prioritising health interventions particularly
in resource limited settings. Finally, the wider health and human rights implications of ensuring health
services meet the needs, priorities and expectations of the intended beneficiaries will also be
discussed.
Disclosure of Interest Statement:
Funding for the study was provided by WHO. No pharmaceutical grants were received in the
development of this study.