Recruiting

Drop-in and mobile HIV care for people facing barriers to treatment

Plain-English translation of NCT05887557 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new way to deliver HIV care that removes common barriers to treatment. Instead of requiring you to schedule appointments weeks in advance, this model offers drop-in care and brings HIV doctors and nurses to you—whether that's a mobile clinic, a clinic with same-day visits, or care that fits your unstable housing or work schedule. The goal is to help people living with HIV who face real obstacles (homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use) stay connected to treatment and get their virus under control.

Many people living with HIV struggle to keep up with regular medical appointments because of homelessness, mental illness, addiction, or other life challenges. When people can't get consistent care, their HIV virus can grow unchecked, making them sicker and putting others at risk. This trial exists to see whether flexible, low-barrier care can help people who've been left behind by traditional HIV clinics.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 15 years or older and have been diagnosed with HIV
your most recent HIV viral load is above 200 copies/mL, or you have not taken your HIV medications for at least one month
you have not regularly attended HIV care—such as missing your last appointment, not visiting in the past six months, or not having a regular HIV doctor
you face at least one major barrier to care, such as unstable housing or homelessness, a mental health condition, or current substance use

You likely don't qualify if…

you are unable to understand the study or give your informed consent due to serious cognitive problems, severe mental illness symptoms (psychosis), or active intoxication at the time of enrollment

What participation looks like

You will be enrolled in the low-barrier drop-in and mobile HIV care program at one of four participating sites for 12 months. Instead of scheduling appointments far in advance, you can drop in during clinic hours or be seen by a mobile clinic team that comes to you. You'll receive HIV medications, viral load testing, and mental health or substance use support—all designed to work around your life, not the other way around. Researchers will track your progress over the year to see whether this approach helps you stay in care and get your virus under control.

Drop-in and mobile HIV care for people facing barriers to treatment

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(5 sites)