A technology transfer model for effective HIV/AIDS interventions: Science and practice

The widespread use of effective, science-based interventions to motivate an d sustain behavior change provides an important approach to reducing the sp read of HIV. The process of disseminating information about effective inter ventions and building capacity for implementing them in field settings must be improved, however. Starting with a review of diffusion of innovations a nd technology transfer literature, we offer a technology transfer model for HIV interventions. We identify participants and activities directed toward the use of effective interventions by prevention services providers (e.g., health departments and community-based organizations) in each phase of tec hnology transfer: preimplementation, implementation, and maintenance and ev olution. Preimplementation activities focus on selecting an intervention an d preparing for implementation. implementation activities include initial i mplementation and process evaluation. Maintenance and evolution are ongoing with continued support for and evaluation of the intervention. This articl e takes the perspective of providers. Other perspectives are presented else where in this issue.