The TIE Study (Treatment Adherence, Social Isolation, and Engagement) is an ongoing research study of PAN’s that is aiming to understand how social isolation impacts HIV treatment adherence for people living with HIV in smaller urban, rural, and remote areas. After completing surveys and interviews with people living with HIV, the last stage of the study is to engage with focus groups to co-develop strategies and recommendations for program and policy implementation to address social isolation. One way this process is being supported is through the findings of an environmental scan.
Environmental Scan vs. Literature Review
A literature review usually relies on academic, peer-reviewed publications to synthesize a topic and provide evidence-informed conclusions. Often a literature review highlights the gaps in knowledge about a particular topic to justify future research opportunities.¹ An environmental scan examines both academic literature and gray literature (unpublished papers, white papers, government documents, policy briefs, program websites, news articles, etc.) to gather information for recommendations, planning, and informing decisions. Environmental scans are a tool often used in evaluations to inform program design, implementation, and improvement.¹ Both methods use a systematic, organised approach to collecting and synthesizing information by using consistent search terms and inclusion criteria to ensure replicability and validity.
How can an environmental scan support planning?
Environmental scans might review the state of programming or services in a given area, describe the evolving needs of a population, explore cultural contexts, or identify gaps in services to provide a baseline for evidence-informed decision-making and planning. Environmental scans have the advantage of being able to provide up-to-date information because there is usually no publication delay in gray literature sources. As a result, they can provide a present-day snapshot of a given issue or landscape of interest to ensure a relevant and informed decision-making process.
How are we using this environmental scan for the TIE study?
In the case of the TIE Study, the environmental scan was conducted to provide a landscape of social isolation programs in British Columbia and social isolation programs for PLHIV across Canada. Within this landscape, the most common focus demographics and programs activities used in social isolation programs were quantified, and services were mapped geographically. Common approaches and frameworks to programming, like capacity building initiatives, low-barrier approaches, peer engagement, and evidence-based program philosophies, were also highlighted through this scan. Lastly, a program showcase was developed to highlight interesting, novel, or creative approaches to reducing social isolation and increasing connection for program participants. The idea is that these results will be used to promote discussion, and in turn inform program and policy recommendations during the focus group phase of the TIE study.
For a detailed overview of the environmental scans conducted, click here to view the report.
Written by Jericho Watson