Testing a Real-time Electronic Antiretroviral Adherence Monitoring Intervention

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · Aug 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "A-Team," is studying a new way to help people with HIV remember to take their medication on time. Researchers are testing an electronic pill container that sends reminders to the user when it’s time to take their medicine. If the container isn't opened as scheduled, it will also alert a supportive friend or a case manager if the person misses their medication for two days in a row or more. The goal is to see if this real-time monitoring can help African American men who have sex with men stay on track with their HIV treatment and improve their health.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be over 18, have been diagnosed with HIV, and have been on HIV treatment (called ART) for at least six months. They should also have a case manager willing to join the study. Participants will need a working cell phone and should have faced challenges in sticking to their medication routine in the past. The study will last for six months and involve 54 participants, who can expect to use the electronic device and receive support from their case managers and friends throughout the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Participant inclusion criteria:
• • AAMSM \>18 years with self-reported HIV infection;
• • own a working cell phone;
• • on ART for at least 6 months;
• • have a case manager willing to participate in the study (for the clinical trial); and
• • have suboptimal adherence - either have a detectable viral load in the past 6 months, self-reported \<90% adherence based on a 3-item measure or referral by their healthcare provider because of a recognized problem with ART adherence.
• For social support persons, participants will:
• • report that they have a self-described meaningful relationship with the participant;
• • be \>18 years of age;
• • own a working cell phone and;
• • be willing to provide support.
• • For case managers, participants will have worked with clients with HIV at least 6 months prior to their participation in this study and own a working cell phone.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not meeting the inclusion criteria
• • Not agreeing to informed consent concerning interactions with research team, data collection, and access to medical records.
• • Candidates must provide consent to obtain a copy of their viral load results during the 12 months before and following study onset to confirm eligibility and explore long-term follow-up of possible effect.