Exploring inter‐ and intra‐organisational dynamics supporting task‐shifting opportunities in AIDS service organisations: A qualitative study

Abstract

Task‐shifting of combination sexual health services from clinicians to community workers has been well‐studied in low‐resource settings, but lacks empirical examination as a response to service inequities in North American community‐based AIDS service organisations (ASOs). This study adopts a qualitative exploratory approach to understanding how ASOs may support task‐shifting for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), drawing from interviews (n = 33) with clinicians and community workers in southern Ontario. Results include intra‐organisational (including resource supports, development of community worker roles, providing task‐shifting training, provider representation and inclusive service environment) and inter‐organisational (including structure of engagement, streamlining referrals, development of effective partnerships, development of a formal organisational network and increasing awareness) dynamics which, when applied at an organisation level within ASOs, encourage successful and effective task‐shifting. Related activities may be used to increase service quality and access for GBMSM. Considerations for application and management practice is provided.