Implementing HIV testing in opioid treatment programs

A Cluster RCT to Increase HIV Testing in Substance Use Treatment Programs

NA · Columbia University · NCT03135886

This study is testing if coaching programs can help people in opioid treatment programs get more HIV and Hepatitis C tests and connect to care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment418 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT03135886 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance the provision of HIV and Hepatitis C testing within opioid treatment programs (OTPs) through two evidence-based practice coaching interventions. The study will randomly assign 51 OTP sites to either an information control group or one of the two active coaching interventions focused on HIV testing and linkage to care. The effectiveness of these interventions will be evaluated based on patient uptake of testing, initiation of services, and health outcomes over time. Data will be collected on patient demographics, testing rates, and healthcare utilization to assess the impact of the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients receiving treatment for substance use disorders at participating opioid treatment programs.

Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving extensive HIV or Hepatitis C testing services may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly increase the rates of HIV and Hepatitis C testing and improve linkage to care for patients in opioid treatment programs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that practice coaching can effectively improve healthcare delivery in substance use treatment settings, suggesting a promising approach for this initiative.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible sites must:

  1. See at least 150 unduplicated patients/year/site
  2. Be capable and willing to prospectively collect data on the number of patients who a) are offered any HIV and/or HCV tests; b) completed these tests; c) are referred to care/evaluation (and type of referral) if positive; and d) are linked to care/evaluation within 30 days of diagnosis
  3. Be capable and willing to provide patient demographics, testing data within demographic categories of gender and race/ethnicity (in aggregate) and data on HIV/HCV test reimbursement processes and outcomes
  4. Have key staff willing to consent to participate in study surveys, qualitative interviews and intervention coaching throughout the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Sites will be excluded if:

  1. Over 50% of patients served in the prior 6 months were HIV or HCV tested
  2. They are terminated via PI decision/discretion

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Substance Use Disorders, Opioid-use Disorder, HIV, HIV Testing, Hepatitis C Virus Testing, Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.