Concept | Original study criterion | Barrier identified during feasibility study | Opportunity identified during feasibility study | Criterion adaptation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Inclusion criteria (group-level) | Predominantly HIV-positive GISE groups | GISE groups have either evolved into mixed groups or turned dormant | ____ | Opening up the intervention to community-based HIV groups that engage in microfinance activities |
Inclusion criteria (individual-level) | HIV-positive adults | National HIV guidelines outline patient’s eligibility for participation in community-based ART groups | ____ | (1) HIV-positive. However should: - Be virally suppressed - Not be pregnant - Not be a member of a CAG - Have no active opportunistic infection/other serious comorbidity such as cancer. (2) Development of a protocol on handling virally unsuppressed participants |
Definition of active membership at the group level | Have participated in at least one microfinance group meeting in the prior 12 months at study baseline | Groups define active membership differently | _____ | Have participated in at least one microfinance group meeting in the prior 6 months at study baseline |
Clinical team | Team to comprise of clinical officers, pharmaceutical technologists, social workers and peer mentors, on a full-time basis. | Low confidence in clinicians’ ability to adequately conduct some procedures such as drawing blood for viral load testing. | (1) Study to rely on existing structures such as the county-based riders program and CHVs. | (1) Study to employ phlebotomists. (2) Study to work with the county-based riders on sample collection and delivery. |