Quality Improvement Solutions for Sustained Epidemic Control Project (QISSEC)

This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding for the Quality Improvement Solutions for Sustained Epidemic Control Project (QISSEC).  The purpose of this program is to facilitate improvements in quality across the HIV care continuum at the facility level (defined as the location where persons diagnosed with HIV receive care and treatment), and to support dissemination and spread of these improvements to other facilities and implementing partners in low to middle-income countries (LMIC), supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will fund two cooperative agreements in support of the PEPFAR focus on the management of evidence-informed interventions for scale-up and spread.  The successful applicant will facilitate solutions for long-term change management approaches and sustainability of quality improvement activity. The QISSEC shall focus on developing innovative strategies to improve the delivery of HIV quality care and treatment for use by facilities that serve the most vulnerable individuals in PEPFAR-supported LMICs.  Using quality improvement methodologies, tools, and techniques, the project will identify gaps in service delivery, and develop culturally and medically appropriate, sustainable interventions targeted to PEPFAR-identified vulnerable and key populations.  More information on the priorities of scaling and sustainability of evidence-informed implementation is outlined by PEPFAR and referenced by the work of Yamey, 2011, Framework for Success through the pillars of:[1]  Simplicity (supporting replication) A phased approach to scale up (facilitating process improvements) Country ownership (encouraging sustainability)   In addition to improving the dissemination and documentation of improvement interventions, QISSEC will support the addition of solutions management to complement the existing PEPFAR Solutions Platform, allowing for access to tools, resources, and new information implemented through this funding opportunity [1] Yamey, G. (2011, June 28).  Scaling Up Global Health Interventions: A Proposed Framework for Success.  PLOS Medicine, 1-2.doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001049

Eligible applicants include domestic or foreign public or non-profit private entities, including schools of medicine, nursing, public health, management and public administration, and academic health centers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and consortia consisting of such eligible organizations.

Tracey Gantt, MSN, RN, APHN-BC

(301)443-1219