Actively Recruiting
Effects of GPS Tracking on Patient Adherence to Hepatitis C Treatment Among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness
Led by University of Southern California · Updated on 2025-08-29
124
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
V
Ventura County Medical Center
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Hepatitis C Tracker Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 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
You will not qualify if you...
- Prior engagement in Hepatitis C treatment
- Decompensated cirrhosis; HBsAg positive
- Current pregnancy
- Known or suspected hepatocellular carcinoma
- Prior liver transplantation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 8 to 12 weeks
Participants receive standard medical care for Hepatitis C, with some receiving a GPS tracker device to support treatment adherence.
Daily medication during treatment period with visits as part of street medicine care
Duration - Up to 24 weeks
Participants are monitored after treatment to assess sustained virologic response and overall health outcomes.
Periodic follow-up visits through study completion
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
USC Street Medicine
Alhambra, California, United States, 91803
Actively Recruiting
2
Ventura County Medical Center
Ventura, California, United States, 93003
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alexis Coulourides Kogan, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
2
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