JUNTOS Referral Network for HIV Prevention and Treatment

Overseen By Jorge Limia, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Miami

Disqualifiers: Unable to consent, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 months

245 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the JUNTOS Referral Network in improving access to HIV prevention and treatment services for Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants will either use the JUNTOS website/app or receive a referral sheet for follow-up support. It is ideal for HIV test counselors in Miami-Dade or Broward County who work with Latino MSM clients and for Latino MSM living in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County. The trial seeks participants involved in or receiving regular HIV testing and looking to improve access to prevention resources. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to enhancing healthcare access for Latino MSM communities.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that the JUNTOS Referral Network is safe for HIV prevention and treatment?

Research has shown that the JUNTOS Referral Network is under study to improve access to HIV prevention and treatment services, particularly for Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Although specific safety data for JUNTOS is not available, the study examines the use of an app or website, not a new drug or medical treatment. This typically involves fewer safety risks compared to studies with new medications. As this is not a drug trial, there are no reports of side effects commonly associated with medical treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the JUNTOS Referral Network because it offers a fresh, technology-driven approach to HIV prevention and treatment. Unlike traditional referral methods that rely on paper sheets, the JUNTOS platform uses a website and app to streamline the referral process for HIV test counselors and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). This digital tool aims to improve access and engagement by providing timely and convenient support directly through smartphones and computers. By leveraging technology, JUNTOS has the potential to enhance the reach and effectiveness of existing HIV prevention strategies.

What evidence suggests that the JUNTOS Referral Network is effective for enhancing HIV prevention and treatment services?

Research has shown that the JUNTOS Referral Network aims to simplify access to HIV prevention and treatment services for Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). In this trial, participants in one arm will use the JUNTOS Referral Network website/app, which connects them with HIV test counselors, thereby facilitating access to these crucial services. The study evaluates how effectively JUNTOS assists HIV test counselors and Latino MSM in obtaining these services. While detailed results are still forthcoming, the goal is to enhance connections and access. This approach may increase involvement in HIV-related care for the targeted community. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Audrey Harkness, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Miami

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) as part of an effort to improve HIV-prevention and treatment services. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Reports suboptimal fidelity to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) referral guidelines (<80% fidelity)

Identifies as Latino/a/x or Hispanic

I identify as a man who is attracted to or has sex with other men.

Exclusion Criteria

I work as an HIV counselor in a prison.

Latino MSM: Unable to consent

HIV test counselors: Unable to consent

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants access the JUNTOS Referral Network or referral sheet for HIV prevention and treatment services

3 months

Ongoing access through app/website

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for use of biomedical HIV prevention/treatment and HIV status

3 months

Self-report assessments

Extended Follow-up

Continued monitoring of referral fidelity and HIV prevention/treatment engagement

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• JUNTOS

Trial Overview The study is evaluating the effectiveness of the JUNTOS Referral Network in increasing access to HIV-prevention and treatment services among the target population.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: JUNTOS Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will get access to the JUNTOS Referral Network website/app through the 6-month follow up (HIV test counselors) and 3-month follow up (Latino MSM).

Group II: Referral Sheet - HIV test counselors Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will get access to the referral sheet through the 6-month follow up (HIV test counselors) and 3-month follow up (Latino MSM).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Miami

Lead Sponsor

Trials

976

Recruited

423,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study analyzing health resource utilization among people living with HIV in British Columbia identified distinct profiles of care, highlighting differences between those actively involved in non-HIV care and those with minimal healthcare interaction after initial linkage to care.

The findings suggest that tailored reengagement strategies are necessary to improve HIV care, focusing on missed opportunities in non-HIV healthcare and enhancing collaboration with physicians involved in HIV treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Informing Targeted Interventions to Optimize the Cascade of HIV Care Using Cluster Analyses of Health Resource Use Among People Living with HIV/AIDS. Krebs, E., Min, JE., Bayoumi, AM., et al.[2019]

A study of 30 HIV/AIDS service organizations in Baltimore revealed that most agencies are well-connected through client referrals and information exchange, but structured coordination is less common, indicating a need for more organized collaboration.

Five organizations were identified as central to the network, playing critical roles in service delivery, which highlights the importance of these agencies in enhancing the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS care in the community.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interorganizational relationships among HIV/AIDS service organizations in Baltimore: a network analysis. Kwait, J., Valente, TW., Celentano, DD.[2019]

Over half of the 5836 participants in the study experienced gaps in Medicaid enrollment, with male sex and younger age being significant factors associated with these gaps.

Despite these gaps, many individuals maintained viral suppression (VS) after the gap, particularly those who were already virally suppressed before the gap, highlighting the importance of continuous access to antiretroviral therapy and the need for initiatives to support Medicaid enrollment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors Associated With Gaps in Medicaid Enrollment Among People With HIV and the Effect of Gaps on Viral Suppression. Monroe, AK., Myint, L., M Rutstein, R., et al.[2021]

The California Bridge Project successfully linked 49.7% of persons of color and 41.6% of injection drug users (IDUs) living with HIV to care and prevention services, demonstrating effective outreach strategies.

IDUs were less likely to engage with HIV-specific programs but showed a preference for community services that address immediate needs, such as housing, indicating the importance of tailored interventions for marginalized populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Linking HIV-infected persons of color and injection drug users to HIV medical and other services: the California Bridge Project. Molitor, F., Kuenneth, C., Waltermeyer, J., et al.[2022]

The study identified strengths in the care network for people with HIV/AIDS, highlighting the importance of emotional and humanized support provided by health professionals and family members.

However, it also revealed weaknesses, such as a restricted network that struggles to meet the increasing demand for care, indicating a need for improvements in the overall support system.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Potentialities and weaknesses in the care network of people with HIV/AIDS. Tonnera, LC., Meirelles, BH.[2017]

A study of 21,880 HIV-positive individuals in Haiti found that multi-month dispensing (MMD) of antiretroviral therapy significantly improved retention in care, with a 24.2% increase in retention likelihood when extending dispensing intervals by 30 days.

While MMD is effective for new ART recipients, extending dispensing lengths for those already receiving longer supplies may negatively impact retention, indicating the need for careful consideration in treatment plans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Estimating the effect of increasing dispensing intervals on retention in care for people with HIV in Haiti. Parrish, C., Basu, A., Fishman, P., et al.[2023]

Strengthening existing antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs may provide significant health benefits in HIV prevention, as many patients are lost at various stages of the care cascade, including testing and treatment initiation.

The study proposes a new 'side door' approach to ART, suggesting that understanding patient health-seeking behaviors is crucial for improving the effectiveness of ART programs and ensuring more patients receive timely treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A side door into care cascade for HIV-infected patients? Hallett, TB., Eaton, JW.[2022]

Generalist physicians who are more connected to HIV specialists show improved quality in prescribing HIV medications, with each additional connection leading to a 1.46 percentage point increase in medication quality for their patients.

Enhancing the network connections between generalists and HIV specialists could potentially reduce annual HIV infections by up to 6%, indicating that collaboration among healthcare providers is crucial for better patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physician network connections to specialists and HIV quality of care. Stecher, C.[2022]

The combination intervention of acute HIV testing, contract partner notification (cPN), and social contact referral was more effective in eliciting referrals from women and previously diagnosed individuals, suggesting targeted strategies could enhance HIV testing and linkage to care.

When cPN was used alone, it still showed benefits, particularly for women and those with a history of HIV diagnosis, indicating that even simplified approaches can be effective in improving contact tracing and testing outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterizing Network-Based HIV Testing Interventions to Guide HIV Testing and Contact Tracing at STI Clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. Maierhofer, CN., Powers, KA., Matoga, MM., et al.[2023]

The study found that interagency networks involved in HIV care showed increased collaboration, particularly in information exchange and client referrals, indicating improved connectivity among organizations serving people living with HIV.

Despite the overall increase in collaboration, the frequency of interactions was lower when focusing on more regular engagements (monthly or greater), suggesting that while connections are growing, consistent communication may still need improvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring Changes in Interagency Collaboration Following AIDS United's Positive Charge: A Five-Site HIV Linkage and Retention in Care Program. Jain, KM., Maulsby, C., Kinsky, S., et al.[2018]

Citations

1. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/lGNrdXI2lEqgGxWJXNrARQ/project-details/10759875

RePORT RePORTER - National Institutes of Health (NIH) | Aim 1: Evaluate, at the HIV test counselor level, the implementation outcomes associated with the JUNTOS Referral Network. We will recruit and randomize South ...

2. taggs.hhs.gov taggs.hhs.gov/Detail/AwardDetail?arg_AwardNum=R34MH134670&arg_ProgOfficeCode=134

Award Information | HHS TAGGS Aim 2: Evaluate implementation and effectiveness outcomes, at the LMSM level, associated with the JUNTOS Referral Network. We will track the extent to which ...

3. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/313292/joining-under-connected-networks-to-optimize-salud-health-juntos/

Joining Under-connected Networks to Optimize "Salud ... The objective of this study is to evaluate the JUNTOS Referral Network as an implementation strategy to enhance the reach of HIV-prevention and treatment ...

4. hivimpsci.northwestern.edu hivimpsci.northwestern.edu/2023/11/01/the-juntos-referral-network/

The JUNTOS Referral Network Aim 1 of the planning project consisted of figuring out what information was needed within the JUNTOS (Joining Under-connected Networks to ...

5. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/437787?per_page=20&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0&only_active=0

Joining Under-connected Networks to Optimize "Salud ... The objective of this study is to evaluate the JUNTOS Referral Network as an implementation strategy to enhance the reach of HIV-prevention ...

6. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/e0d891f586a74228/nct06432725-enhancing-hiv-prevention-treatment-latino-men-msm

Joining Under-connected Networks to Optimize "Salud ... The objective of this study is to evaluate the JUNTOS Referral Network as an implementation strategy to enhance the reach of HIV-prevention and treatment ...

7. clinconnect.io clinconnect.io/trials/NCT06432725

Joining Under-connected Networks to Optimize "Salud" The objective of this study is to evaluate the JUNTOS Referral Network as an implementation strategy to enhance the reach of HIV-prevention and treatment ...