Actively Recruiting
Universal Test and Connect for HIV Service Delivery in South Africa and Baltimore
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-01-30
2000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
D
Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating how many patients with HIV or at high risk of HIV visit Emergency Departments (ED) in South Africa and how HIV services can be integrated into this setting. The study aims to assess the opportunity to provide HIV prevention methods like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and to improve testing and care linkage through a strategy called Universal Test and Connect (UTC). This approach seeks to reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by universally testing patients and connecting them to long-term care, including referrals for PrEP. The study involves universal HIV testing of all patients attending two busy 24-hour EDs in Cape Town, regardless of risk factors. Healthcare providers in the ED will collect demographic and clinical information to identify patients eligible for PrEP. Additionally, in-depth interviews and surveys will be conducted with ED nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers to understand their perspectives on delivering PrEP in this setting. The UTC strategy will be integrated into the clinical workflow to assess feasibility and acceptance. Participants will undergo point-of-care HIV testing and provide information to determine PrEP eligibility. Providers will participate in interviews and surveys using a structured guide to evaluate their views on PrEP delivery. Researchers will measure the proportion of patients eligible for PrEP, prevalence of conditions like tuberculosis or renal dysfunction among them, and provider acceptance of ED-based PrEP services. The study will monitor these outcomes at baseline and after UTC implementation, aiming to improve HIV prevention and care access in the ED environment.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Universal Test and Connect for HIV Service Delivery in South Africa
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients attending the Emergency Department
- Aged 12 years or older in South Africa
- For a subset participating in the PrEP choice trial, must meet PrEP eligibility and have no contraindications such as kidney disease, acute HIV symptoms, or current PrEP use
- Nurses, physicians, or advanced practice providers regularly working in the Emergency Department at one of the clinical sites
- Providers must consent to recorded interviews or surveys
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients unable to provide written informed consent, including those with depressed consciousness from head trauma or substance abuse, or those critically ill with an emergent triage score
- Patients who do not speak English, Afrikaans, or Xhosa
- Providers who have already been interviewed at both sites
- Providers who do not consent to participate in interviews or surveys
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 - Single encounter during Emergency Department visit
Participants undergo universal HIV testing in the Emergency Department regardless of risk factors to determine eligibility for HIV prevention services.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Ongoing throughout the study period
Participants who are potentially eligible for HIV PrEP are observed to assess demographic and clinical information for linkage to care and prevention strategies.
Follow-up visits as part of routine care
Duration - Throughout study duration
Emergency Department providers participate in in-depth interviews to assess perspectives on PrEP delivery in the ED setting.
1 to 2 interviews depending on provider role
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Gugulethu Community Health Centre
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
David Rudolph, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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