Mobile app plus peer support to help people with HIV and substance use stay healthy
Official title: Clinic-level implementation of mHealth to improve HIV viral suppression for patients with substance use disorders
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11285266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a mobile health app together with trained peer mentors to help people living with HIV who also struggle with substance use stay on treatment and keep their viral load low.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $600,572 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055527-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11285266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who have current or recent substance use disorders and who receive care at one of the participating clinics are the intended candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without substance use concerns, those not receiving care at participating clinics, or those without access to a smartphone are unlikely to benefit directly from this program.
What this research studies
You would be offered a mobile app (CHESS) that connects with your clinic and trained peer mentors who are also patients. The app collects real-time information about things like housing, food, alcohol or drug use, and medication taking to spot problems before they lead to missed care. Peer mentors use this information to build social support and connect you with the HIV Medical Home care team. The program is being rolled out across participating clinics in Colorado, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin and will track viral suppression and missed appointments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help more people with HIV who use substances achieve and maintain viral suppression and miss fewer clinic visits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mHealth and peer-support efforts have improved medication adherence and engagement in some studies, but implementing both at the clinic level across multiple states is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westergaard, Ryan Patrick — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Westergaard, Ryan Patrick
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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.