Using GPS Tracking to Improve Hepatitis C Treatment Adherence in People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness Receiving Street Medicine Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether using GPS tracking can improve medication adherence among patients diagnosed with Hepatitis C virus infection who are also experiencing unsheltered homelessness and receiving care through street medicine. This study compares standard medical care for Hepatitis C alone versus standard care combined with GPS tracking to help locate and follow up with patients. The study addresses challenges in traditional healthcare models for homeless populations and aims to explore patient perspectives on GPS tracking in treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one receives the standard Hepatitis C treatment provided through street medicine, while the other receives the same standard treatment plus a GPS tracker device. The GPS device is intended to assist healthcare providers in locating patients for follow-up care during the 8 to 12 weeks of daily medication treatment. This multi-site randomized controlled study includes individual interviews to understand patient experiences in both groups. During the study, participants will be monitored for medication adherence over 8 to 12 weeks, with treatment length also recorded. Researchers will assess sustained virologic response up to about 24 weeks through the study completion. Participants will receive regular street medicine care, and their medication use will be tracked. The study ensures ethical use of GPS tracking and does not involve initial HCV screening, which occurs before enrollment. The total participation time varies with the treatment course and follow-up.

Hepatitis C Tracker Study