WP2 & WP3 East Africa Point of Care Viral Load Study (EAPoC-VL) Training.
Article by Calvin Mbeda, Adhiambo Phillister, and Frank Angira
All staff participating in the implementation of EAPOC VL activities attended a face to face training at the site on 26th to 29th Aug 2022. A wet run on how schedule of activities are conducted. This is WP3 one-on-one interview practice session. Work Package 2 focuses on assessing feasibility and acceptability while work package 3 focusses on gaining insight on psycho-social effects of PoC-VL monitoring on children and adolescents living with HIV and their caregivers. This is done through observations and interviews.
Trained professionals conduct one-on-one interviews with individuals to understand their psychological well-being, emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and support systems. These interviews are structured to gather specific information relevant to the individual's situation and needs. Following potentially distressing or traumatic experiences, debriefing sessions are conducted to help individuals process their emotions, thoughts, and reactions.
These sessions provide a safe space for individuals to express their feelings, share their experiences, and receive validation and support. If necessary, individuals are referred to additional psycho-social support services such as counseling, therapy, support groups, or community resources to further address their needs.