The cross-network/trans-Institute Youth Prevention Working Group (YPRWG) was formed in the winter of 2012. Its creation was a key recommendation emerging from the NIH “Focused initiatives for Healthier Lifestyles by the Inter Network Advisory Group on Adolescent Prevention” meeting. The group consists of representatives from the NIH networks, the Adolescent Trials Network (ATN), DAIDS, NIAID, NIMH, NIDA, and NICHD.
The group addresses issues such as:
· Coordinate sharing of network adolescent research agendas
· Address the challenge of conducting trials across multiple networks
· Consider tangible outcomes such as dropping the mean age of network volunteers
· Validate existing tools
· Compare ongoing and upcoming studies
· Consider adolescent issues early on in design process
· Review relevant informed consent documents
· Collate a set of core competencies
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Coordination Objectives for 2017
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Objective #1: Assess results of the site survey conducted in Year 8 to assess site-level access and experience in conducting research with adolescents within the NIH-sponsored networks for future trials.
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Objective #2: Maintain a resource library on the HANC website dedicated to youth prevention research. Resources will include protocols, best practices, case report forms, webinars, trainings articles, etc. from both within and outside of HIV/AIDS research relevant to the conduct of clinical research in the adolescent/young adult population (12-24). Publicize materials and topics to engage the research community, increasing visibility of these resources when possible.
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Objective #3: Analyze the existing research imperatives, trial results, and protocols in development to identify gaps in the scientific enterprise, especially in the area of adolescent consent and autonomy, parental knowledge of their child’s sexual behavior, and the potential resulting skew arising from these issues in adolescent HIV research. Consider creating a white paper on these topics and best practices for adolescent HIV researchers.
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Objective #4: Working Group members will liaise with their respective Network Leadership and protocol team members to share the assessment of the ongoing research and consider ways to address the gaps. Ensure cross-network/trans-Institute communication around research in the youth population.
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Objective #5: Explore and promote the development of co-endorsed protocols or adolescent sub-studies.
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Objective #6: Monitor the success of the working group efforts over the course of its existence.
Youth Prevention Research Working Group Objective #7: Host informative webinars and trainings related to adolescent prevention research at the site and network levels. Disseminate these resources via webinars, the HANC website, and at HPTN and IMPAACT network meetings as appropriate.