Research

Point of Care Testing
Karly Hamilton, a Masters of Applied Psychology student with MUN is undertaking this research for ACNL as part of her studies.  The research being conducted will support ACNL in its participation in the Point of Care Test Working committee presently reviewing POC in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Project Description
The goal of this project is to assess the perceived need for anonymous POCT in the province, and to examine best practices, as well as outcomes that POCT programs have exhibited in other Canadian provinces. The evaluation will address the following key questions:

  • What models of POCT are being used?
    • Why were they chosen?  
    • Have they evolved over time? If so, what are the factors contributing to change?
    • What are some effective practices/lessons learned?
  • How many individuals per year are being tested at POCT sites? Who is the target population?
  • How is POCT advertised to the general public?
  • Of those who get tested, how many per year are reported as HIV positive? Of these, how many individuals receive follow-up treatment?
  • What are special considerations for setting up POCT at a clinic?
    • What are the challenges?
    • What is the medical community’s perspective?
       

Measuring and Modeling Disability, Comorbidities and Rehabilitation among People Living with HIV in Canada: The HIV, Health and Rehabilitation Survey

The purpose of the HIV, Health and Rehabilitation Survey is to learn about the range of health conditions people with HIV live with, the health-related challenges they experience and the rehabilitation services and living strategies that people living with HIV use to deal with their health related challenges.

ACNL will work in partnership with the Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation (CWGHR) on this national project.
 

Peer Counselling/Education and Internet Technology
The project goal is to reduce social isolation and depression in PHA’s through the development of an interactive website providing HIV knowledge and peer helper support that is uniquely designed to meet the informational and social support needs of PHA’s in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Working in partnership with Dr. Greg Harris, Dept of Education Psychology, MUN and Dr. Elaine Greidanus, University of Calgary, the project team has completed the Literature Review, recruited PHA Peer Helpers and is in the development phase of the communication platforms for the initiative.  This project has been made possible by a generous donation from ViiV Healthcare.
 

IDU Evaluation and Needs Assessment
ACNL in partnership with Advisory Committee on Homelessness and the Department of Health and Community Services are conducting a provincial IDU needs assessment to help determine an appropriate response to IDU in the province.  This project is being implemented by Marie Ryan, researcher with Ross-Gilroy Research Inc.  The project is being guided by a project Advisory Committee and will be implemented during the period April 2013 – September 2013.