Mobile health platform to improve HIV care in Washington, DC
Pragmatic Efficacy Trial of mHealth to Improve HIV Outcomes in the DC Cohort
This study is testing a new mobile health app called PositiveLinks to see if it can help people living with HIV in Washington, DC, stay in care and manage their health better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 753 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | George Washington University Academic / other |
| Locations | 13 sites (Washington, District of Columbia and 12 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04998019 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the HIV care continuum by implementing a mobile health platform called PositiveLinks, designed to improve retention in care and viral suppression among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the DC area. The approach involves mixed methods research to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the platform, which includes smartphone apps for patients and providers, a web portal for clinic staff, and training resources. The study will gather feedback from various stakeholders, including patients and healthcare providers, to optimize the app's features and ensure it meets the needs of the urban cohort. The final product will undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliability and effectiveness in managing patient care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 16 or older living with HIV who are enrolled in the DC Cohort and exhibit indicators of poor retention in care.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 16 years old and those who are not independently managing their HIV care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve health outcomes for individuals living with HIV by enhancing their engagement in care and achieving better viral suppression rates.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions to improve HIV-related outcomes, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PLWH and eligible for/enrolled in DC Cohort study age 16 or older * speaks and reads English or Spanish at 4th grade level or above * can provide informed consent; if a minor, is in charge of own HIV care * plans to reside in the DC metro area for the next 12M * has at least one of the following indicators of poor retention (in order of priority): * detectable virus, * not retained in care, * returning to care after a gap of ≥6 months, d) no visit constancy * newly diagnosed or initiating HIV care * recently transferred from a different HIV care site * evidence of HIV care receipt at a DC Cohort site and a non-DC Cohort site based on the DOH (Department of Health) linkage(\~9%). Exclusion Criteria: * age below 16, or if patient is 16-17; parent is in charge of HIV care * unable to provide legal, independent consent to participate * PLWH receiving care at two DC Cohort sites (\~10%) will be excluded
Where this trial is running
Washington, District of Columbia and 12 other locations
- MetroHealth — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Unity Medical Center — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Georgetown University — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- La Clinica Del Pueblo — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Children's National Medical Center Pediatric Clinic — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Medstar Washington Hospital Center — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Washington Health Institute — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Family and Medical Counseling Service — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Whitman-Walker Health — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- George Washington Medical Faculty Associates — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Howard University Hospital Adult Clinic — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Howard University Hospital Pediatric Clinic — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amanda D Castel, MD, MPH — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Amanda D Castel, MD, MPH
- Email: acastel@gwu.edu
- Phone: 202-994-8325
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.