Attendance

The Workshop was well attended with 61 participants present (37 on-site and 24 online). The participants cut across the University of Abuja CESRTA Staff, New York University Collaborators, Healthcare professionals, FCT site leads with other site leads attending virtually from across the globe.

Introduction

The Stakeholders Workshop on ACCELERATE provided participants more knowledge about the program study and its implementation, and was rounded off with Focus Group Discussions involving the various site leads. 

Prof Maxwell Nwegbu, moderating the event, highlighted the significance of the workshop and its objectives, stating that it is a collaboration between University of Abuja and New York University.

Session 1: Background, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Management & Role of Hydroxyurea in Treatment 

Speaker: Professor Obiageli Nnodu

Prof Nnodu welcomed the participants and stakeholders. She gave an overview of the role of Hydroxyurea and its use in the management of Sickle Cell Disease. She stated that the ACCELERATE program will help to increase use of Hydroxyurea in Nigeria.

Session 2: Introduction and Overview of ACCELERATE 

Speaker: Dr Emmanuel Peprah

Dr Emmanuel Peprah gave more insights into the ACCELERATE program. He mentioned the aims of the study and gave an overview of the timelines of the study framework’s Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustenance [EPIS] stages. He also commended the collaboration between New York University and University of Abuja in this study.

Session 3: Introduction to Study Protocols

Speaker: Dr Joyce Gyamfi

Dr Joyce Gyamfi thanked everyone for their participation in the workshop. She then gave a brief overview of the Study Protocol, giving insights into the timelines, study population, implementation method, and more. 

Session 4: Question & Answer Session 

Before the tea break, there was a Question & Answer session with Prof. Nnodu, Dr Peprah, Dr Gyamfi and Mr. Ajaiyeoba involving questions on the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), study protocols and the side effects of Hydroxyurea.

Session 5: Introduction to Study Protocols (After tea break)

Speaker: Dr Joyce Gyamfi

After the tea break, Dr Joyce Gyamfi spoke more on the study protocols, reviewing the document and giving insights into the means of implementation and sustenance.

Prof. Nnodu made a note about updating research assistants for SPARC-Net to help with enrollment and the research assistants will be trained on filling the forms and will assist in SPARC-Net every month for the next 2 years and ACCELERATE for the 5 years.

Session 6: Focus Group Discussion (Document Review)

Focus Group Discussion was done to review the study protocols and case review forms, with suggested amendments noted in the various groups. These discussions involved 3 groups: Group 1 (in-person) FCT site leads/healthcare professionals anchored by Dr. Patrick, Group 2 (virtual) healthcare professionals anchored by Dr. Peprah and Group 3 (virtual 2) healthcare professionals anchored by Dr. Joyce.

Session 7: Focus Group Discussion (Questionnaire) – After the lunch break

Focus Group Discussions resumed after the lunch break with questionnaires about site policies, attitudes and barriers that may prevent or enhance the administration of Hydroxyurea. These discussions involved 3 groups: Group 1 (in-person FCT site leads) Healthcare Providers anchored by Dr. Patrick, Group 2 (virtual) healthcare providers anchored by Dr. Peprah and Group 3 (virtual 2) healthcare providers anchored by Dr. Joyce.

Consent forms and study protocols were sent to the virtual participants through emails prior to the workshop, to be signed and sent back.

Conclusion

The Stakeholders Workshop and Focus Group Discussions concluded with a closing speech by Prof. Maxwell Nwegbu, and he thanked everyone for their active participation, and encouraged continued collaboration and participation to achieve the ACCELERATE study objectives.