Effects of GPS Tracking on Patient Adherence to Hepatitis C Treatment Among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness
University of Southern California
Summary
The goal of this study is to determine if GPS tracking can enhance adherence to hepatitis C treatment among patients diagnosed with hepatitis C infection who are also experiencing unsheltered homelessness and receiving street medicine. Research will compare medication adherence among participants randomly assigned to receive standard medical care for Hepatitis C versus the standard medical care for Hepatitis C along with GPS tracking assistance.
Description
Previous research on Hepatitis C infection (HCV) has found positivity rates between 12% and 27% among people experiencing homelessness; far exceeding typical rates found among a general housed population (1%). The usual course of HCV care in the healthcare system is screening and diagnosis in primary care, then referral to specialty care (such as Hepatology or Gastroenterology) for treatment. All of this takes place within the confines of traditional "brick and mortar" clinics. This screen, refer, and treat model presents a multitude of person- and systems-level barriers for individuals experi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Hepatitis C infection * Experiencing unsheltered homelessness at study initiation * Speaks English or Spanish * Receiving street medicine care * Meet the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria for simplified treatment of Hepatitis C Exclusion Criteria: * Prior engagement in HCV treatment * Decompensated cirrhosis; HBsAg positive * Current pregnancy; Known or suspended hepatocellular carcinoma * Prior liver transplantation
Interventions
- BehavioralGPS tracker device
GPS tracker device
Locations (2)
- USC Street MedicineAlhambra, California
- Ventura County Medical CenterVentura, California