Mobile Clinic Services for Women Who Inject Drugs
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a mobile clinic in assisting women who inject drugs with HIV prevention and treatment for opioid use disorder. The clinic, housed in a van, provides services such as HIV prevention medication and STI testing directly at locations where these women frequently gather. The study will assess treatment adherence among participants and the effectiveness of the mobile setup. Women who have injected drugs, are not living with HIV, and can provide consent are suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to access innovative services in a convenient setting.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team to understand how your current medications might interact with the trial.
What prior data suggests that this mobile van clinic is safe for women who inject drugs?
Research has shown that pop-up clinics, like the mobile van clinic used in this trial, are generally well-received by women who use drugs. These clinics effectively provide care to people who might not otherwise receive it. They are particularly beneficial for women in challenging situations, such as those who inject drugs or engage in sex work.
The mobile clinic employs a harm reduction approach, aiming to reduce negative health effects without requiring patients to stop using drugs completely. This method is considered safe because it meets people where they are and offers support without judgment. While specific side effects or problems from the mobile clinic itself aren't mentioned in the sources, the clinic's goal is to offer safe, accessible care.
For concerns about the safety of participating, consider discussing them with a healthcare provider or the study team. They can provide more detailed information based on the clinic's specific practices and your personal health needs.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Mobile Van Clinic because it brings healthcare directly to women who inject drugs, making it far more accessible than traditional clinic visits. This mobile approach is unique because it combines services like PrEP and buprenorphine with point-of-care STI testing, all delivered in a convenient location. By doing so, it addresses barriers such as transportation and stigma, which often prevent women from seeking regular medical care. This method has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes by making it easier for these women to start and continue essential treatments.
What evidence suggests that this mobile van clinic is effective for women who inject drugs?
Research has shown that mobile van clinics can increase access to HIV prevention medication and opioid addiction treatment for people who inject drugs. These individuals face a much higher risk of contracting HIV, making these services crucial. The trial will enroll female-identifying individuals who seek care at the mobile van clinic, assessing the uptake and sustained use of PrEP and buprenorphine, as well as point-of-care STI testing and treatment completion rates. Studies have found that bringing care directly to people through mobile vans makes it easier for them to access and complete their treatment. This type of care has proven especially beneficial for women who inject drugs, as it reduces the barriers they encounter in obtaining essential health services. This approach not only improves health outcomes but also offers a flexible and supportive solution for those at high risk.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Maria Corcorran, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women over 18 who inject drugs and are not known to have HIV. Participants must be willing to give informed consent, identify as female, and have a history of drug injection.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Enrollment and Initial Assessment
Participants provide consent, undergo eligibility assessment for PrEP and MOUD, and receive initial clinical care and testing
Treatment and Monitoring
Participants receive PrEP and MOUD, undergo POC STI testing, and participate in adherence monitoring and surveys
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for sustained use of PrEP and MOUD, and receive results and treatment as necessary
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mobile Van Clinic
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator