Making It Work was a community-based research study that utilized an Indigenized approach to program theory development. The study explored why, when, how, and for whom community-based services work for people living with HIV, hepatitis C, and;or co-occurring challenges with mental health and;or substance use, with a particular focus on case management and community development programs;services using Indigenous service delivery models and a harm reduction approach.
The main study outcome was a program theory built from conversations and surveys with services users and providers. The program theory uses a realist model, and illustrates the mechanisms (how and why), contexts (when and for whom), and outcomes to ensure services are culturally safer and support positive outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous service users.
This Guidebook will synthesize the program theory into a resource for community-based organizations to bridge the gap between research and practice. It will help organizations implement study findings through a mixture of resources applicable in their work with a goal of leading to better services and health outcomes for people living with HIV, hepatitis C, mental health challenges and;or who use substances.