Testing a Real-time Electronic Antiretroviral Adherence Monitoring Intervention
United States126 participantsStarted 2024-10-01
Plain-language summary
The investigators propose using an electronic adherence device that is basically a pill container that can alert when it is not opened at a scheduled time. The investigators will use this device to alert the medication user at the time when medication is supposed to be taken if the device did not get opened and a pre-identified social support person or case manager when 2 or 7 consecutive days of nonadherence are detected, respectively. The investigators call our approach "A-Team" (Antiretroviral Therapy Electronic Adherence Monitoring). The aims of this application are to determine the acceptability and feasibility of real-time adherence monitoring in support persons and case managers of African American Men who have sex with Men and to test this approach for these men in a 6-month randomized controlled trial among 54 of these men living with HIV and measure ART adherence and viral suppression (the primary outcome).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Viral load suppression
Timeframe: At 6 months after introduction of the intervention.