Improving HIV testing and care at two Boston jails
Massachusetts HIV and Justice Involved Populations Research Network
Boston Medical Center · NCT06679751
This project will test whether changes to jail health record workflows increase HIV testing and treatment for people with opioid use disorder at two Boston-area jails.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06679751 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a pilot, observational feasibility project that follows a cohort of incarcerated people to document experiences with HIV testing after local jails implemented electronic health record (EHR) changes. The intervention, developed by the jails and launched in January 2025, offers HIV testing at intake and during physical exams and aims to better integrate HIV care with existing MOUD services. Investigators will collect data at South Bay House of Corrections and Nashua Street Jail on testing uptake, linkage to HIV treatment, and barriers to integration with MOUD. Study participants are English-speaking people with opioid use disorder who expect to leave jail within about a month, and persons unable to consent are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking people with opioid use disorder who are currently incarcerated at South Bay House of Corrections or Nashua Street Jail and expect to be released within a month.
Not a fit: People incarcerated at other facilities, those who cannot consent due to cognitive impairment, non–English speakers, or those with longer expected stays may not benefit from this pilot's findings or participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could increase HIV testing and improve connection to HIV treatment for people with opioid use disorder in jails, reducing missed diagnoses and improving care after release.
How similar studies have performed: Previous implementation efforts have increased HIV testing in some detention settings, but using EHR-based testing offers combined with integration into MOUD programs is less well established and remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Incarcerated at South Bay House of Corrections or Nashua Street Jail * Participant Report that they will be leaving jail within 1 month. * Participant must be comfortable speaking in the English Language * Has Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) indicated by participation in Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) program and/or self-report Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive ability that prevents obtained consent or completion of study activities (defined through Research Assistant (RA) determination)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- South Bay House of Corrections — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alysse Wurcel, MD MS — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Alysse Wurcel, MD MS
- Email: Alysse.Wurcel@bmc.org
- Phone: 617-414-5951
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.
Conditions: HIV Infections, Opioid Use Disorder, Carceral system, HIV testing, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network, End HIV Epidemic, HIV Services