Katrina Ortblad, ScD, MPH

Implementation scientist Dr. Katrina Ortblad studies ways to improve equity in health access by using differentiated models of HIV service delivery, that is, the delivery of HIV treatment, prevention information and necessary medications, in high prevalence settings. Most of her work focuses on designing innovative models for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery with research colleagues in Africa. She applies findings from qualitative research and stakeholder engagement to refine these models then tests them out in pilot studies and later hybrid implementation-effectiveness trials. Ongoing projects, all currently based in Kenya, include a randomized trial exploring the use of HIV self-testing to decrease the number of PrEP clinic visits; a study to design and test a novel model of pharmacy-based PrEP delivery and a study to design and test a peer PrEP referral + HIV self-testing delivery model to increase PrEP uptake and continuation among young women. Dr. Ortblad’s research uses diverse methods across the fields of epidemiology, economics, public policy, psychology and implementation science.