The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a peer recovery coach (PRC) intervention to improve linkage to hepatitis C (HCV) and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care, treatment initiation, and evaluation for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (when applicable) among individuals with a history of opioid use disorder accessing a substance use low-barrier-to-access (LBA) walk-in clinic. In-depth interviews will be administered to participants at baseline, three- and six-months for study participants (40 total participants). The investigator will also follow-up with the per recovery coach and administer surveys to assess the feasibility of a peer recovery coaching intervention in improving HCV/HIV related linkage to care and management. Patient medical records and peer recovery coach monthly reports will be accessed and reviewed to determine fidelity to research protocols.
\*NOTE\* Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, surveys were conducted via telephone and not all participants could be contacted. Therefore, the number of results from participants at three months and six months vary. The data gathered are from participants that were reachable and completed the surveys.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
31
The intervention will involve the following elements: establishing rapport, asking permission to discuss drugs, discussing the pros and cons associated with drug use, uncovering the gaps between current and desired quality of life and determining readiness to change. The intervention will last approximately 20 minutes and take place at the time of the clinical visit while participants are waiting to be seen by a clinician or are awaiting laboratory testing.
The PRC will remain in at least weekly contact by phone with each participant.
Boston Medical Center - Low-Barrier-Access (LBA) walk-in clinic
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Acceptability of Intervention
As part of an investigator developed survey a 5-point LIkert scale question will be asked on how acceptable the intervention/care was where 1 is not acceptable and 5 is very acceptable.
Time frame: 6 months
Participant Linkage to HIV Care
Participants will be interviewed and asked investigator developed questions about linkage to HIV care
Time frame: 3 months and 6 months
Participant Linkage to HCV Care
Participants will be interviewed and asked investigator developed questions about linkage to HCV care
Time frame: 6 months
Participant Linkage to Care for Opioid Use
Participants will be interviewed and asked investigator developed questions about their linkage to care for opioid use
Time frame: 3 months and 6 months
Number of Participants Who Received Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Whether participants received PrEp treatment will be abstracted from their electronic medical records (EMR) system.
Time frame: 6 months
Number of Participants Who Received HCV Care
Whether participants received HCV care will be abstracted from their electronic medical records (EMR) system.
Time frame: 6 months
Number of Participants Who Received Opioid Use Treatment
Whether participants received opioid use treatment will be abstracted from their electronic medical records (EMR) system.
Time frame: 6 months
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