Y2TEC has three core elements that are essential "active ingredients." Other elements can be adapted to the organization's unique needs.
Tips for choosing tools to support the three core elements of the Y2TEC intervention:
Choose a Videoconferencing Platform.
Y2TEC counseling staff need access and training in a HIPAA-compliant, secure version of a videoconferencing platform, such as Zoom or Doxy.me.
Choose Biopsychosocial Assessment Tools.
Before starting the counseling sessions, clients complete a biopsychosocial assessment. Scores from the assessment allow the counselor to tailor the number of topics of Y2TEC sessions for their client. These assessments can be completed on paper or through an online platform, such as an EMR portal or HIPPA-complaint web-based survey*.
Selected tools should assess:
- HIV knowledge
- Alcohol, cigarette smoking, and drug use (e.g. DAST, ASSIST, AUDIT)
- Depression and anxiety symptoms (e.g. PHQ-8, GAD-7)
- Trauma/PTSD (e.g. PCL-5)
Note: it is important to select standardized and validated tools.
* The Y2TEC research staff can provide backend code upon request for Qualtrics, a web-based survey software. This program permits clients to complete their assessments online, calculate the client's scores, and email them to staff.
Choose a Text Messaging Platform.
A Y2TEC texting platform should have the ability to:
- Send automated appointment reminders.
- Allow 2 way texting between client and study team/counselor
- Ideally, the text messaging platform is HIPAA-compliant; if this is not possible, then your organization needs to develop a policy that protects personal health information during texting. Note: The Y2TEC developers used software by Mosio for texting; however, we do not have a preferred vendor. An internet search for "SMS gateway services" will bring up several companies that provide these services.