Confidential social network referrals to boost HIV testing
Official title: Confidential social network referrals for HIV testing (CONSORT)
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11599791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses anonymous mobile-text referrals to encourage people at risk to get HIV tested.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $45,384 |
| NIH project number | 3R33TW011667-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11599791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People at elevated risk for HIV in communities similar to the study setting, who are reachable by mobile phones.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to mobile phones or those who prefer not to receive confidential referrals.
What this research studies
This project tests a confidential, SMS-based referral system that nudges individuals in high-risk social networks to get HIV testing. It builds on lessons from high-prevalence settings and adapts a mobile platform to the US context, focusing on acceptability, effectiveness, and cost. If successful, it could make HIV testing more accessible and timely for people who might not otherwise test. The study includes formative work with providers and patients, then pilots automated testing invitations sent to eligible contacts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase HIV testing rates and earlier diagnosis among high-risk groups.
How similar studies have gone: Prior SMS-based health interventions have shown promise in improving engagement and uptake in various health services, though this is an early-stage pilot.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ostermann, Jan — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Ostermann, Jan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.