STREAM is the first large-scale, multi-country clinical trial to investigate shortened regimens for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and the first phase III trial to test the efficacy and safety of bedaquiline, a new drug with a novel mechanism of action, within a shortened treatment regimen.
The trial established a Community Engagement (CE) Plan. The CE program was implemented at 13 research sites within the STREAM trial, in seven countries. A document sets out a summary of the experiences of the Community Advisory Boards (CABs) in connection with the STREAM clinical trial. It underlines relevant aspects that may be useful when planning and/or engaging communities in research. In conclusion, the experiences gained during STREAM, lead to both growing confidence in CE as a valuable process and community participation in advocacy.
The document analyses qualitative data gathered from a consultation organized in collaboration with all the 13 STREAM CABs in the seven countries, which answered dedicated questions developed for this purpose on the Survey Monkey platform as well as quarterly CABs reports, trainings and All-STREAM CABs' webinars notes.
To access the document, Community engagement lessons learned: A community perspective, click here.