The Antiretroviral Speed Access Program Switch (ASAP-Switch) Study
The ASAP-Switch study is looking for people living with HIV who have recently moved to Quebec, Canada, from another country or province. The main aim is to understand how well a new HIV treatment, called B/F/TAF, works for them. This treatment is a single, small pill taken once a day. Researchers want to know if it's easy and good for participants to switch to this medication, how well they stick to taking it, and if they continue using it. They also want to learn about participants' overall healthcare experience, including how often they see their HIV specialist or other medical staff, and what kind of health insurance they have. Taking part means you'll receive the B/F/TAF medication free of charge.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study focuses on people living with HIV who have recently moved to Quebec, Canada. Many people who move here are already taking HIV medication, but sometimes they need to switch to a different treatment. This could be because their previous medication isn't available, is too expensive, or isn't the best option in their new location. The study wants to make sure that these individuals get the best possible care and can easily access the right treatments.
The study is looking at a specific HIV treatment called B/F/TAF. This medication is known to be very effective, safe, and simple to take – it's just one small pill every day. If you join the study, your current HIV medication would be switched to B/F/TAF, and you wouldn't have to pay for it. The main goal is to understand how easy and positive this change is for you. Researchers will check if the new medication is a good fit and if you can stick to taking it regularly.
Beyond just the medication, the study also aims to understand your overall experience with healthcare in Quebec. This includes things like how often you see your HIV doctor or other healthcare providers, and what kind of health insurance you have. By gathering this information, researchers hope to improve HIV care and support for people who have recently moved to Canada.
Key takeaways
- New study for people with HIV who recently moved to Quebec.
- Compares switching to a new, single-pill HIV medicine called B/F/TAF.
- Medication provided free if you participate.
- Aims to understand treatment experience and overall healthcare access.
- Helps improve care for migrant people living with HIV.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to join this study if you are 18 years or older and are living with HIV. A key part of the study is for people who were born outside of Canada and have moved to Quebec from another country or a different Canadian province in the last two years, either to live here temporarily or permanently. You also need to have experience taking HIV medication in the past or currently.
There are also some important points about women who may become pregnant. If you are a woman and can't get pregnant (for example, if you've been through menopause or had certain surgeries), you can likely join. If you *can* get pregnant, you'll need to have a negative pregnancy test at the start of the study and not plan to become pregnant in the next year. Even if you have some history of the virus being harder to treat with certain older medicines, you might still be able to take part.
However, you cannot join if you are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Also, if you have certain health issues like active tuberculosis, recent acute hepatitis, or a known sensitivity to B/F/TAF, or if the researchers believe alcohol or drug use might affect your ability to follow the study plan, you wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have HIV?
- Were you born outside of Canada and moved to Quebec in the last 2 years (from another country or province)?
- Have you taken HIV medication before, or are you taking it now?
- Are you able and willing to follow the study plan?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, your current HIV medication will be switched to B/F/TAF. This medication will be provided to you free of charge. The study team will check in with you to understand how easy it is to take the B/F/TAF, and how well you are doing on it. They will also ask about your experiences with healthcare services, including how often you see your HIV doctor and your health insurance. The total duration of your participation in the study would involve regular check-ups and discussions over a period to monitor your progress and gather information.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada
Common questions
What is B/F/TAF?
B/F/TAF is a modern, effective medicine for HIV. It's simple to take, usually just one small pill a day.
Why is this study only for people who have recently moved to Quebec?
The study focuses on migrants because they often need to change their HIV treatment when they arrive in a new place, and researchers want to ensure they get the best care.
Will I have to pay for the B/F/TAF medication?
No, if you are part of the study, the B/F/TAF medication will be provided to you completely free of charge.
What kind of information will the researchers collect about me?
They will learn about your experience with B/F/TAF, how often you see your HIV doctor, and details about your health insurance to understand your overall care journey.
Can I stop participating in the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point, and your decision will not affect your regular medical care.
How to find out more
Bertrand Lebouché, MD, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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