Abstract:
Theatre testing (TT) method demonstrates whole or portions of an
evidence-based intervention to stakeholders to elicit feedback on
context-specific adaptations and future implementation. The Peer Navigator
Project (PNP) studied the adaptation and implementation of Peer Navigators
in five urban sites to increase street-connected youth (SCY) access to HIV
prevention, testing, and treatment in Canada and Kenya. TT was used with SCY,
healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to collect feedback on the
optimal characteristics of the PNs (e.g., social identities) and their professional
activities and responsibilities in each site. Sites scripted unique scenarios of PNs
supporting SCY and interacting with social service providers. Local actors were
employed, and the scenarios were filmed and edited into videos alongside
audience discussion questions. Videos were screened to separate audiences
of SCY (n = 40), healthcare providers (n = 12), and community stakeholders
(n = 59). Facilitated discussion about the scenarios were recorded as data,
and transcripts were analyzed thematically by the research team. The scenario
videos are presented as a unique adaptation to the TT method. The adaptations
were time-consuming and limited the ability to present responsive changes
while presenting the method to different audiences. They were also effective
at maintaining presentation fidelity and eliciting diverse and meaningful
responses from different stakeholder groups. One site successfully adapted
the method for use in a physically distanced manner that complied with
COVID-19 public health regulations. TT using video scenarios is an engagingapproach that garners rich responses from diverse stakeholder groups about
the adaptation of evidence-based interventions preparing for implementation
in international settings.
