Actively Recruiting
Tracking and Continuity of Care in Advanced HIV Disease
Led by Boston University · Updated on 2026-03-31
150
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
Boston University
Lead Sponsor
B
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research focuses on adults living with advanced HIV disease (AHD) in South Africa, particularly those admitted to the hospital with HIV-related conditions and a CD4 count below 200 cells/µL or WHO clinical stage 3 or 4. Despite widespread HIV testing and treatment policies, many patients with AHD face high risks of infections, hospitalization, and death, often losing contact with care after leaving the hospital. The study aims to understand the care pathways from hospital to primary healthcare and to identify gaps that affect patient outcomes. The study enrolls adults aged 18 or older who are admitted to a medical unit with HIV-related illnesses meeting AHD criteria. Once patients are clinically stable, they will be interviewed in the hospital and followed up by phone at four and eight weeks after discharge. The study does not involve experimental treatments but observes and collects data on patients' linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and primary care services. The study takes place at a large public hospital in Johannesburg and uses a prospective cohort design. Participants will provide information through structured interviews and medical record reviews while in the hospital and during follow-up calls. Researchers will measure how well patients connect to primary care and continue ART after leaving the hospital, including readmissions and referral documentation. The study aims to identify barriers to ongoing care and improve long-term outcomes for people with AHD. Participation involves no invasive procedures and carries minimal risk, with a total follow-up period of eight weeks post-discharge.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Tracking and Continuity of Care in Advanced HIV Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Known HIV positive status
- Admitted to inpatient care for an advanced HIV disease-related illness
- Aged 18 years and above
- Able to provide written consent or consent using a thumbprint
- Consent to be contacted after discharge and can provide contact information
You will not qualify if you...
- Confined to tuberculosis isolation ward or other wards requiring isolation procedures
- Not physically, mentally, or emotionally able to participate prior to discharge as judged by facility or study staff
- Unable to communicate in any language known to the research assistant or into which the questionnaire has been translated
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.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Duration of hospital admission
Participants admitted with an HIV-related condition are assessed during their hospital stay.
1 hospital admission visit
Duration - 8 weeks after hospital discharge
Participants are followed for 8 weeks after hospital discharge to track linkage to primary care ART and referral documentation.
Follow-up contact(s) up to 8 weeks post-discharge
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Helen Joseph Hospital
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Elizabeth Kachingwe
L
Linda Sande
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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