Generating Evidence for Effective HIV Implementation at Scale: The Value and Feasibility of a Network for Implementation Science in HIV

The Network for Implementation Science in HIV (NISH) was established to conduct multisite research to study real-world implementation of evidence-based HIV interventions across US contexts, and to generate generalizable knowledge around implementation strategies to support the achievement of Ending the HIV Epidemic goals. NISH sites represent diverse Ending the HIV Epidemic priority jurisdictions and include participation of multiple units within those sites (eg, multiple clinics and community-based organizations) and bring together research teams from multiple backgrounds within implementation science and the HIV service sector. We argue and provide examples of how NISH studies have and can contribute to the context versus generalizability debate, generate power in numbers, and synthesize, develop, and test implementation strategies that advance both effectiveness and equity. To date, the network has conducted observational studies exploring ongoing implementation and determinants across contexts, and the identification and codesign of strategies to be leveraged in future work. The next stage of network evolution is to leverage this infrastructure to test implementation strategies through nimble study designs built for fast-changing evidence and implementation environments. We argue that the initial successes of NISH warrant future investment to efficiently capitalize on developed infrastructure and optimize science that can effectively be scaled up to address our most critical questions to end the HIV epidemic and support communities most affected.