HIV, Equity, and Addiction Training (HEAT) Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
This project is a pilot study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a telemedicine intervention for substance use disorder service delivery in diverse people living with HIV in Alabama.
Description
The contemporary drug crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed the complex syndemics of addiction and infectious diseases: rising rates of substance use disorder (SUD) have outpaced our ability to respond with a limited healthcare workforce and public health capacity. SUD is increasing in those living with and at risk for HIV, and infectious consequences of SUD, like hepatitis C, have continued, unmitigated, in rural parts of the U.S. where many states lack Medicaid expansion, syringe service programs, and public health infrastructure to respond to the drug crisis and comorbid infections.…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Receiving services at HIV clinics in Alabama * Reported opioid and/or stimulant misuse * 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: * Receipt of SUD clinical care other than through HIV provider/clinic in the last 3 months * Inability to engage in interviews independently without support (e.g., cognitive impairment) * Currently psychotic * Actively suicidal: presents with a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation
Interventions
- OtherTelemedicine
Routine care administered via telemedicine
- OtherStandard of care
Standard of care, as received in HIV clinic settings
Location
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama