Innovating Environmental Scans: Co-Constructing Knowledge for Community-Based STBBI and HIV Services

Background: In the field of health and social services, existing environmental scan (ES) models typically involve a series of steps aimed to improve understanding of "patient, community, organization needs, strengths, challenges, barriers and service gaps" (Charlton et al., 2021, p. 4). This presentation introduces an innovative approach to conducting an ES through an iterative and inductive approach, developed and tested within the context of a research project focused on the prevention and screening of STBBIs and HIV among marginalized populations in Quebec, including migrants, LGBTQIA2S+, youth, injection and inhalation drug users, incarcerated persons, sex workers, people experiencing homelessness.

 

Approach: Our model is based on grounded theory methodology and intersectionality. In 2025–2026, we conducted an ES using a combination of data collection methods: 1) a review of scientific and grey literature; 2) 25 interviews with key stakeholders and potential service users; and 3) an online survey conducting with community organizations. Unlike traditional approaches, we prioritized knowledge-sharing and co-construction process by bringing together insights from multiple groups of stakeholders, along with collecting data. This approach focused on cross-analyzing diverse types of knowledge from a variety of actors within a specific community in Montreal.

 

Results: This inductive approach allowed for continuous methodological adjustments throughout the research process. The intersection of diverse forms of knowledge – including personals experiences, professional expertise, and research evidence – enables a deeper understanding of emerging issues such as taboos around sexuality within certain population groups, the lack of a shared vision regarding the needs of these groups and insufficient knowledge among some practitioners about STBBIs and HIV. This approach also facilitated ongoing knowledge sharing and dissemination throughout the project via meetings and a deliberative workshop. It supported the implementation of tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of the targeted populations.

 

Implications: The strengths of our approach lie in its responsiveness, dynamism, proximity to stakeholders, and its ability to uncover complex and often invisible realities—particularly those related to the intersections of oppressive systems—which hinder adequate responses to the needs of marginalized populations.This research is based on the premise that key stakeholders are in constant interaction, co-evolve, and serve as central point within the system when it comes to developing locally adapted and community-based services (Lamarche & Maillet, 2024).