Article type
Abstract
Background:
The implementation of evidence-based interventions in primary care (PC) is crucial for health care systems strengthening. The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) program, developed and refined over 2 decades by the Knowledge Translation Unit (KTU), University of Cape Town, has shown success in attaining its objectives in South Africa and other countries, including more recently in Brazil.
Objectives:
This abstract outlines a partnership between South African and Brazilian institutions to expand the PACK program in Brazil and the partnership’s results.
Methods:
In December 2022, the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP)/Fiocruz and the Brazil Country Office from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Knowledge Translation Unit Brazil (UTC) through an existing cooperation agreement (CoAg) to expand the PACK program in Brazil by transferring knowledge from KTU's PACK program to the UTC. The UTC has adopted the KTU framework, which comprises 4 core components: comprehensive clinical guide, training and capacity building; health system strengthening, and monitoring–evaluation and research. The initial implementation efforts of the program focused on 5 state capitals under the CoAg's previous HIV response project, A Hora é Agora (AHA).
Results:
Three AHA cities joined the PACK Program. The UTC produced the PACK Brazil Adult Guide 2023/24, localized to the reality of the Brazilian Public Health System. A blended case-based training approach (in-person supported by a virtual platform), codeveloped by KTU and UTC, has been used. Three research protocols are currently under development to evaluate critical aspects of the Brazil PACK program initiative. UTC trained 20 municipal Master trainers, who in turn trained 214 on-site Champion trainers. Currently, 930 physicians and nurses from PC facilities are undergoing training by Champion trainers.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Brazilian and South African institutions demonstrates the potential for the transfer of knowledge and technology adoption in countries with similar contexts and challenges, as long as there is encouragement. Moreover, the PACK program has emerged as a practical and adaptable tool for evidence-based PC on a larger scale. This partnership showcases the effectiveness of South-South knowledge exchange in accelerating the strengthening of health care systems, particularly in PC.
The implementation of evidence-based interventions in primary care (PC) is crucial for health care systems strengthening. The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) program, developed and refined over 2 decades by the Knowledge Translation Unit (KTU), University of Cape Town, has shown success in attaining its objectives in South Africa and other countries, including more recently in Brazil.
Objectives:
This abstract outlines a partnership between South African and Brazilian institutions to expand the PACK program in Brazil and the partnership’s results.
Methods:
In December 2022, the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP)/Fiocruz and the Brazil Country Office from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Knowledge Translation Unit Brazil (UTC) through an existing cooperation agreement (CoAg) to expand the PACK program in Brazil by transferring knowledge from KTU's PACK program to the UTC. The UTC has adopted the KTU framework, which comprises 4 core components: comprehensive clinical guide, training and capacity building; health system strengthening, and monitoring–evaluation and research. The initial implementation efforts of the program focused on 5 state capitals under the CoAg's previous HIV response project, A Hora é Agora (AHA).
Results:
Three AHA cities joined the PACK Program. The UTC produced the PACK Brazil Adult Guide 2023/24, localized to the reality of the Brazilian Public Health System. A blended case-based training approach (in-person supported by a virtual platform), codeveloped by KTU and UTC, has been used. Three research protocols are currently under development to evaluate critical aspects of the Brazil PACK program initiative. UTC trained 20 municipal Master trainers, who in turn trained 214 on-site Champion trainers. Currently, 930 physicians and nurses from PC facilities are undergoing training by Champion trainers.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Brazilian and South African institutions demonstrates the potential for the transfer of knowledge and technology adoption in countries with similar contexts and challenges, as long as there is encouragement. Moreover, the PACK program has emerged as a practical and adaptable tool for evidence-based PC on a larger scale. This partnership showcases the effectiveness of South-South knowledge exchange in accelerating the strengthening of health care systems, particularly in PC.