# Test-to-PrEP: A Randomized Hybrid Implementation/Effectiveness Trial of a Social Network Strategy to Increase Equitable Reach of HIV Testing and PrEP Information

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $711,692

## Abstract

Abstract/Project Summary
For this project, we propose a type 3 hybrid implementation-effectiveness randomized controlled trial (RCT)
comparing two strategies that engage the social networks of current PrEP clients from communities with high
HIV incidence to extend the reach of HIV self-testing (HIVST) and PrEP. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness,
resource needs (including cost) and implementation factors of Test-to-PrEP, a strategy in which current PrEP
clients directly distribute HIV self-tests (HIVST) and PrEP resources to their social network contacts, and a
comparison social network referral strategy without direct distribution of HIVST. Building on successful pilot
testing of the Test-to-PrEP strategy through two Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Supplement Projects, our
team, supported by the Florida Department of Health, community partners Prevention305, and the
Implementation Science Coordination, Consultation, and Collaboration Initiative (ISC3I), seeks to conduct this
trial in Miami-Dade County, Florida—a region with a one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in the
United States and an EHE priority areas. The trial encompasses two key components: (1) strategically located
sites in priority neighborhoods for HIV prevention, ensuring diverse representation of Latino and Black PrEP
client participants, and (2) the use of social networks for disseminating HIVST and PrEP information.
Participants (N=320 PrEP client egos) will be recruited at clinic sites, with randomization by clinic block to one
of the two social network strategies being evaluated. Utilizing the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption,
Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation
Research (CFIR), the study will assess the reach and implementation of each strategy and identify contextual
factors associated with success including cost and resource requirements. Effectiveness will be evaluated
based on completion of HIVST among social network alters, changes in PrEP knowledge, and PrEP or HIV
treatment initiation. Both strategies aim to overcome structural and socio-cultural barriers by using trusted
networks, specifically engaging PrEP clients to provide social network support and resources for accessing
PrEP/HIV treatment. Understanding the effectiveness and resource requirements of these two strategies will
inform their adoption in other EHE priority areas, contributing significantly to the broader efforts to combat the
HIV epidemic.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11007617
- **Project number:** 1R01MH138190-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Susanne Doblecki-Lewis
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $711,692
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11007617

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11007617, Test-to-PrEP: A Randomized Hybrid Implementation/Effectiveness Trial of a Social Network Strategy to Increase Equitable Reach of HIV Testing and PrEP Information (1R01MH138190-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11007617. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*