Infectious Disease (ID) Testing OUtreach in Carceral Hubs (ID-TOUCH)

Boston Medical Center (BMC)

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Opioid Use Disorder; HIV Infections

Treatments: Behavioral: ID-TOUCH

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT06679751

1R61DA060588-01 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

H-45426

Details and patient eligibility

About

This pilot feasibility study represents part 3 of a larger R61 study, where the investigators will follow a cohort about their experiences with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.

This project aims to assess the effectiveness of an intervention at two jail sites in the Boston area: South Bay House of Corrections and Nashua Street Jail implemented in January of 2025 that is aimed at improving HIV testing practices and HIV treatment in those carceral facilities. This implementation was developed independently of the investigators' study activities. The jails worked to develop changes in their electronic health record to offer HIV testing at various points in their intake and physical exam process. HIV care was not well-integrated with the jails' existing intake and healthcare administration systems and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) program. The investigators will evaluate the intervention the jails developed to address these issues. The outcomes of interest are more implementation than effectiveness outcomes.

The primary goal of this study is to identify existing barriers in the carceral healthcare setting that prevent the improvement of HIV testing and treatment.

Enrollment: 75 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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)

Trial design

75 participants in 1 patient group

ID-TOUCH Program

Description:

Participants will receive the ID-TOUCH intervention while incarcerated and meet with the study team three times for data collection: once before release, once one week after release, and once three months after release. Information collected will include: utilization of HIV services while in jail and while in the community and an exploration of self-reported high-risk behavior, perceived stigma and discrimination, and medical mistrust.

Treatment:

Behavioral: ID-TOUCH