Prevention Research Synthesis (PRS) HIV Compendium of Best Practices

Come As You Are (CAYA) is a nurse-led intervention for youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) aged 16-25 years. The intervention consists of six face-to-face sessions with a nurse, a behavioral assessment and feedback application and focuses on the uptake of HIV prevention methods, including pre- and post-HIV exposure prophylaxis, HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, sober sex, and condom use.

Santa Maria, D., Nyamathi, A., Lightfoot, M., Paul, M., Quadri, Y., Padhye, N., Businelle, M., Fernandez-Sanchez, H., & Torres Jones, J. (2025). Results of a randomized wait-list controlled trial of CAYA: A nurse case management HIV prevention intervention for youth experiencing homelessness. AIDS and Behavior, 29(2), 613-625. doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04544-3/

The mLab App is a mobile application (app) that combines text and email notifications to prompt HIV testing, along with real-time feedback on HIV test results. The application sends messages to encourage repeat testing and PrEP use for persons with negative tests and facilitates linkage to care for persons with positive results.

Schnall, R., Scherr, T. F., Kuhns, L. M., Janulis, P., Jia, H., Wood, O. R., Almodova, M., & Garofalo, R. (2025). Efficacy of the mLab App: A randomized clinical trial for increasing HIV testing uptake using mobile technology. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 32(2), 275-284. doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocae261

P3 is an individual-level intervention that uses a mobile application to enhance adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for young men who have sex with men. The application includes gamification, medication tracking, and social engagement to support users in maintaining consistent PrEP usage over three months.

Hightow-Weidman, L. B., Rainer, C., Schader, L., Rosso, M. T., Benkeser, D., Cottrell, M., Tompkins, L., Claude, K., Stocks, J. B., Yigit, I., Budhwani, H., & Muessig, K. E. (2025). Prepared, Protected, EmPowered (P3): Primary results of a randomized controlled trial using a social networking, gamification, and coaching app to promote pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence for sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth living in the United States. AIDS and Behavior, 29(2), 652–663. doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04547-0

The Electronic Self-test Reminder System (eTest) and HIV Self-testing (HIVST) is an intervention that increases HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) who test infrequently. The intervention participants were assigned to one of three groups: received text message reminders to get tested at a local clinic (standard), mailed HIVST kits with access to a free helpline, and mailed HIVST kits with counseling provided within 24 hours of opening a kit (eTest).

Wray, T. B., Chan, P. A., Klausner, J. D., Ward, L. M., Ocean, E. M. S., Carr, D. J., Guigayoma, J. P., & Nadkarni, S. (2024). The effects of regular home delivery of HIV self-testing and follow-up counselling on HIV testing and prevention outcomes in men who have sex with men who test infrequently in the United States: A pragmatic, virtual randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 27(7), e26318. doi.org/10.1002/jla2.26318

The Holistic Health for HIV (3H+) is an abbreviated version of the Holistic Health Recovery Program (HHRP+) intervention. 3H+ is a multifaceted, group-based, clinic-integrated behavioral intervention within outpatient drug treatment programs for people with HIV and opioid use disorder. It incorporates education, risk-reduction skills training (e.g., safer injection practices, condom use), counseling, and support for antiretroviral therapy adherence and substance use management.

Zelenev, A., Huedo-Medina, T. B., Shrestha, R., Mistler, C. B., Altice, F. L., Sibilio, B., & Copenhaver, M. M. (2024). Comparing the brief Holistic Health for HIV (3H+) to the Holistic Health Recovery Program (HHRP+) among people with HIV and opioid use disorder: Results from a randomized, controlled non-inferiority trial. PLoS ONE, 19(11), e0312165. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0312165

The Opt-Out HIV Screening Program for Outpatient Clinics aims to increase outpatient HIV screening in a large urban hospital by utilizing stepwise electronic alerts and financial incentives for providers. This structural-level intervention includes (1) a passive electronic health record (EHR) reminder for HIV screening to prompt a once in a lifetime screen for all patients aged 13 years or older; (2) a performance-based financial incentive for primary care clinicians meeting health maintenance screening thresholds; and (3) an active EHR reminder, or best practice alert, to prompt annual opt-out HIV screening for all patients aged 13 to 64 years.

Miller, C. T., Alvarez, K. S., Nijhawan, A. E., Soni, V., Turknett, L., Paspula, R., & King, H. L. (2024). Implementation of an opt-out outpatient HIV screening program. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 37(4), 650–659. doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2023.230352R1

The Parkland HIV Services Rapid Start Program is a clinic-based intervention designed to enable people to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately following an HIV diagnosis. The intervention includes expedited clinical evaluation, counseling, and same-day ART initiation, often prior to receiving baseline laboratory results. It is delivered on-site by medical providers and support staff as part of routine HIV care services. A key feature of the program is the inclusion of a financial counselor who helps patients navigate medical coverage options and apply for assistance programs to address financial barriers to care. A medication access specialist also ensures immediate and ongoing medication coverage through various resources.

Chow, J. Y., Gao, A., Ahn, C., & Nijhawan, A. E. (2024). Rapid start of antiretroviral therapy in a large urban clinic in the US South: Impact on HIV care continuum outcomes and medication adherence. Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 23, 23259582241228164. doi.org/10.1177/23259582241228164

The Social Support Group-Based Intervention is a supportive-expressive therapy program for rural older adults (aged ≥50 years) with HIV. The intervention is delivered virtually, with eight weekly 90-minute group sessions each focusing on a different theme with the goal of fostering peer social support, addressing emotional challenges related to HIV, and helping participants build and strengthen support systems.

Walsh, J. L., Quinn, K. G., Hirshfield, S., John, S. A., Algiers, O., Al-Shalby, K., Giuca, A. M., McCarthy, C., & Petroll, A. E. (2024). Acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary impact of 4 remotely-delivered interventions for rural older adults living with HIV. AIDS and Behavior, 28(4), 1401–1414. doi.org/10.1007/s10461-023-04227-5

2GETHER teaches couples to use relationship skills to improve relational functioning and sexual health via a telehealth delivery model. The intervention includes the following three videoconferencing group sessions led by two trained facilitators aimed at building skills. Before each session, participants view self-paced video modules that address communication skills, coping with stress, relationship satisfaction, and HIV transmission.

Newcomb, M. E., Swann, G., Macapagal, K., Sarno, E. L., Whitton, S. W., & Mustanski, B. (2023). Biomedical and behavioral outcomes of 2GETHER: A randomized controlled trial of a telehealth HIV prevention program for young male couples. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(9), 505-520. doi: 10.1037/ccp0000823

Enabling Mobilization, Empowerment, Risk Reduction, and Lasting Dignity (EMERALD) is an intervention that consists of a fixed-site drop-in center, called the Sex Workers Promoting Action, Risk Reduction and Community mobilization or SPARC center, and mobile outreach services for female sex workers (FSWs). Available services include case management and mental health services, biomedical services (e.g., reproductive health and treatment for opioid use disorder), substance use services, legal clinics, and drop-in services such as showers, laundry and spaces to relax. Services are trauma-informed and guided by the needs of the women who utilize the center. The multi-service model reduces sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among FSWs.

Sherman, S. G., Tomko, C., Nestadt, D. F., Silberzahn, B. E., Clouse, E., Haney, K., Allen, S. T., & Galai, N. (2023). Impact of a community empowerment intervention on sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Baltimore, Maryland. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 50(6), 374-380. doi:10.1097/QLQ.0000000000001781