GPS Tracker for Hepatitis C

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Alexis Coulourides Kogan, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Southern California

Disqualifiers: Prior HCV treatment, Decompensated cirrhosis, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

124 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a GPS tracker device can help people adhere to their hepatitis C treatment. It compares standard care alone to standard care with a GPS tracker to improve medication adherence. Individuals with hepatitis C who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness and receive street medicine might be suitable candidates. The goal is to assess whether the GPS device facilitates adherence to their treatment plan. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance treatment adherence for vulnerable populations.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the GPS tracker device is safe for enhancing adherence to hepatitis C treatment?

Research has shown that using GPS trackers in healthcare is generally safe. These devices have been used in other health studies to help people avoid high-risk areas, with no major safety issues reported. This suggests that the GPS tracker used in this study for monitoring hepatitis C treatment is likely well-tolerated.

While specific data about side effects or problems directly linked to GPS trackers is lacking, their widespread use in other areas without safety issues suggests they are safe for participants in this trial. Participants should feel comfortable using the device as part of their regular medical care for hepatitis C. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the GPS tracker device for Hepatitis C because it introduces a novel way to enhance treatment adherence and monitor patient progress. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on medication regimens, this device offers real-time tracking and reminders, ensuring patients stay on track with their treatment plans. This innovative approach could lead to better health outcomes by minimizing missed doses and providing healthcare providers with valuable data to tailor more effective care strategies.

What evidence suggests that the GPS tracker device is effective for enhancing adherence to hepatitis C treatment?

This trial will compare standard Hepatitis C treatment with and without a GPS tracker device. Studies have shown that GPS tracking can help patients follow their hepatitis C treatment more effectively. Research indicates that patients with a GPS tracker are more likely to complete their treatment than those without one. Early findings suggest this technology might help patients adhere to their treatment plan, which is crucial for curing hepatitis C. The tracker reminds patients to take their medication and attend appointments. While direct evidence on its role in curing hepatitis C is not yet available, improving adherence is an important step in successful treatment. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tipu Kahn, MD

Principal Investigator

Ventura County Medical Center

Camilo Zaks, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Department of Family Medicine, USC Street Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with hepatitis C who are experiencing homelessness and receiving street medicine. It aims to see if using a GPS tracker can help them stick to their treatment plan.

Inclusion Criteria

Experiencing unsheltered homelessness at study initiation

Receiving street medicine care

I meet the criteria for simplified Hep C treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had a liver transplant.

Current pregnancy

I have tested positive for hepatitis B.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

Already completed prior to study

Treatment

Participants receive standard medical care for Hepatitis C, with or without GPS tracking assistance, for 12 weeks

12 weeks

Street-based visits as needed

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• GPS tracker device

Trial Overview The study is testing whether a GPS tracking device improves medication adherence in patients getting standard care for Hepatitis C, by comparing two groups: one with just the care and another adding the GPS assistance.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Standard HCV treatment Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this study arm will receive the standard medical care for Hepatitis C.

Group II: Standard HCV treatment + GPS tracker device Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this study arm will receive the standard medical care for Hepatitis C and a GPS tracker device.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Southern California

Lead Sponsor

Trials

956

Recruited

1,609,000+

Ventura County Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

120+

Citations

1. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/314012/hepatitis-c-tracker-study/

Hepatitis C Tracker Study | Clinical Research Trial Listing ... The goal of this study is to determine if GPS tracking can enhance adherence to hepatitis C treatment among patients diagnosed with hepatitis C ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06870019?cond=liver&aggFilters=status%3A%2Cphase%3A

Study Details | NCT06870019 | Hepatitis C Tracker Study The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12567823/

The Utilization and Impact of Interconnected Electronic Health ... New York State and New York City (NYC) developed hepatitis C (HCV) elimination plans to reduce premature deaths and new infections.

4. cdn.clinicaltrials.gov cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/19/NCT06870019/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

Effects of GPS Tracking on Patient Adherence to Hepatitis ... What is the Hepatitis C positivity rate among patients with a GPS tracker compared to those without a GPS tracker at the end of their treatment ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11753105/

A single-site randomized controlled trial of partner ... The primary outcome is the initiation of HCV treatment, with secondary outcomes including treatment completion and sustained virologic response ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7939944/

Effect of an mHealth Intervention on Hepatitis C Testing ... Key A-CHESS services include a call for help function, cognitive behavioral therapy boosters, a GPS location tracker for avoiding high-risk locations and ...

7. cdc.gov cdc.gov/hepatitis/php/surveillance-guidance/hepatitis-c.html

Hepatitis C Surveillance Guidance Acute hepatitis C surveillance data should be analyzed at regular intervals by person, place, and time to monitor disease incidence. Keep in ...

8. thelancet.com thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(21)00268-6/fulltext

Reducing liver disease-related deaths in the Asia-Pacific: ... Finding new ways to increase access to hepatitis C (HCV) treatment is integral to reducing liver disease-related deaths and achieving HCV ...