# Applying human-centered design to adapt a multifaceted implementation strategy for integrating HIV and NCD services in Lusaka, Zambia: Healthcare worker perspectives

## TL;DR

This paper explores how human-centered design was used to adapt HIV and non-communicable disease (NCD) service integration strategies in Zambia with input from healthcare workers.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel use of human-centered design to co-create implementation strategies for HIV/NCD integration with healthcare providers in a low-resource setting.

## Key findings

- Healthcare workers suggested adding sub-components like NCD/HIV champions and weekly medication bulletins to improve integration.
- Co-design workshops led to four specific strategy ideas aimed at enhancing adoption and feasibility of HIV/NCD services.
- HCD is shown to be a promising approach for refining implementation strategies in low- and middle-income countries.

## Abstract

There has been limited research reporting approaches used in the adaptation of implementation strategies for integrating HIV and NCD services that involve healthcare providers in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. This paper describes how human-centered design (HCD) was used to 1) adapt a multifaceted implementation strategy for integrating HIV and NCD services through end-user engagement and 2) share insights from the specific suggestions made through the HCD process with healthcare providers. As part of the TASKPEN an implementation science-driven intervention aimed at task shifting and integrating the evidence-based WHO Package of Essential NCDs Interventions (WHO-PEN) approach into routine healthcare settings for PLHIV, we co-designed implementation strategy components (i.e., “sub-components”) to strengthen HIV/NCD integration in four HIV clinics in Lusaka, Zambia. The HCD process involved qualitative approaches with healthcare providers, namely lay and non-physician healthcare workers (NPHWs) such as nurses and community healthcare workers (CHWs). A four-phased approach of exploration through formative qualitative work, ideation with intervention deliverers, analysis, and refinement was used to develop strategy sub-components. Rapid thematic data analysis was used to synthesise the data. Applying HCD to a locally-informed intervention for screening and managing cardio-metabolic co-morbidities for Zambian PLHIV informed the addition of sub-components to the multi-faceted implementation strategy to improve adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility. Through co-design workshops, healthcare providers suggested specific sub-components be added to enhance the intervention. Specifically, four sub-component strategy ideas were produced: introducing NCD/HIV champions, circulating a weekly facility NCD medication bulletin, dashboard reporting of HIV/NCD cases, and community sensitization. The use of HCD in implementation science is a promising approach to refining implementation strategies that are likely to result in the success of HIV/NCD integration in Zambia and similar LMIC settings.