The long-term objectives of this SBIR project are to fully adapt the EMPOWER expert system software for use in developing HIV prevention programs at the community level and to develop an evaluation component for the software which would examine the process, outcome, and impact of resulting programs. Phase I will involve testing the feasibility of adapting such a produce to meet the needs of community- level planners in HIV prevention program planning and evaluation. Specific aims of Phase I are to 1) investigate how best to adapt an expert system in community health program planning for HIV/AIDS prevention; 2) expert and design team specification and review of content; 3) adaptation of the software to target one HIV risk behavior; and 4) complete design document for the product to be developed in a Phase II effort.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
