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 and 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 HIPAA-compliant web-based survey.
The Y2TEC research staff can provide the backend code for Qualtrics, a web-based survey software. This program will permit clients to complete their assessments online and will then calculate the client’s scores and email those scores to staff. Qualtrics coding for each assessment is available upon request.
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/PHQ-9, GAD-7)
- Trauma/PTSD (e.g. PCL-5)
Note: It is important to select standardized validated tools.
Choose a Text Messaging Platform.
A Y2TEC texting platform should have to capacity to:
- Send automated appointment reminders.
- Allow two-way text messaging between the client and 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.
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 technology companies that may provide these texting services.