Expanding PrEP access using telehealth through community partnerships
Streamlining Telehealth for Expanded PrEP Utilization Through Community Partnerships (STEP-UP)
This project will try using community organizations as hubs plus telehealth to make it easier for people in the Philadelphia area who could benefit from PrEP to get HIV prevention care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 92 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT07246057 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
STEP-UP integrates community-based organizations (CBOs) with a local telePrEP program so CBO staff can help clients schedule and navigate remote PrEP care. The program is implemented at partner CBOs in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and uses mixed methods—client and staff interviews plus client surveys—to collect data on implementation. Key outcomes include feasibility, acceptability, and whether the model increases access and linkage to PrEP services. University of Pennsylvania leads the effort in collaboration with the Philadelphia telePrEP program and academic partners.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: People who live in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, are eligible for PrEP, and have recently used services or programming at a partner community-based organization (or engaged with a Community TelePrEP Navigator).
Not a fit: People who live outside the Philadelphia area, have not engaged with a partner CBO, or fall below the study's age eligibility (under 16 for surveys or under 18 for interviews) are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this model could reduce practical and trust barriers and increase PrEP uptake among people at risk for HIV by offering local, community-based telePrEP navigation.
How similar studies have performed: TelePrEP delivery and CBO-based PrEP navigation have shown promise in prior work, but combining CBO hubs with a partnered telePrEP program is a newer implementation approach with limited prior evaluation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion - Client Interviews: 1. At least 18 years of age or older 2. Have received services or participated in programming at a partner CBO in the past 12 months 3. Currently live in the Philadelphia metropolitan area 4. Able to provide informed consent Staff Interviews: 1. At least 18 years of age or older 2. Currently employed at Philadelphia telePrEP Program or a partner CBO 3. Serve in a client-facing role (e.g., outreach specialists) or leadership position (e.g., program coordinators) at one of the aforementioned organizations 4. Have been in their current role for at least 6 months 5. Able to provide informed consent Client Surveys: 1. At least 16 years of age or older 2. Have engaged with a Community TelePrEP Navigator through a partner site CBO to schedule a telehealth appointment with a PrEP provider 3. Currently live in the Philadelphia metropolitan area 4. Able to provide informed consent Exclusion- 1. Under 16 years of age (clients surveys) or under 18 years of age (staff interviews or client interviews) 2. Do not currently live in the Philadelphia metropolitan area 3. Unable to provide informed consent due to cognitive impairment or other factors 4. Individuals who pose a safety risk to research staff or other participants 5. Clients currently living with HIV
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stephen Bonett, PhD
- Email: stepdo@nursing.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-573-4299
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.