Mary Jane Burton1, Andrew C Voluse2, Vernee Anthony3. 1. G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA; University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. Electronic address: Mary.burton2@va.gov. 2. G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. 3. Atlanta VA Health Care System, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although central to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic, many patients with both substance use disorders (SUD) and HCV have difficultly engaging in treatment for either condition. To facilitate HCV care in Veterans with active SUD, a comprehensive HCV screening, education, referral, and treatment program was integrated into a VA residential SUD treatment program. METHODS: Evaluation of HCV screening, education, referral, and treatment initiative among admissions to a residential SUD treatment program from December 2014 to April 2018. RESULTS: To date, 97.49% (582/597) of admissions to the program have been screened for HCV infection, with 12.71% (74/582) of the cases confirmed HCV-positive, and 100% (74/74) of the positive cases being connected or re-connected to the infectious disease clinic for further evaluation and, if appropriate, to begin HCV pharmacotherapy. Importantly, 18.92% (14/74) of the HCV-positive cases were newly diagnosed and would have likely gone undetected without this program. Of the HCV-positive cases, 78.38% (58/74) have received pharmacotherapy, with a sustained virologic response rate of 82.76% (48/58). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating comprehensive HCV care within a residential SUD treatment program using a collaborative care model can substantially increase the detection of previously undiagnosed infections, facilitate linkage to care, and promote HCV treatment uptake among HCV-infected Veterans with SUD. Published by Elsevier Inc.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although central to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic, many patients with both substance use disorders (SUD) and HCV have difficultly engaging in treatment for either condition. To facilitate HCV care in Veterans with active SUD, a comprehensive HCV screening, education, referral, and treatment program was integrated into a VA residential SUD treatment program. METHODS: Evaluation of HCV screening, education, referral, and treatment initiative among admissions to a residential SUD treatment program from December 2014 to April 2018. RESULTS: To date, 97.49% (582/597) of admissions to the program have been screened for HCV infection, with 12.71% (74/582) of the cases confirmed HCV-positive, and 100% (74/74) of the positive cases being connected or re-connected to the infectious disease clinic for further evaluation and, if appropriate, to begin HCV pharmacotherapy. Importantly, 18.92% (14/74) of the HCV-positive cases were newly diagnosed and would have likely gone undetected without this program. Of the HCV-positive cases, 78.38% (58/74) have received pharmacotherapy, with a sustained virologic response rate of 82.76% (48/58). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating comprehensive HCV care within a residential SUD treatment program using a collaborative care model can substantially increase the detection of previously undiagnosed infections, facilitate linkage to care, and promote HCV treatment uptake among HCV-infected Veterans with SUD. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Entities:
Keywords:
Alcoholism; Antiviral agents; Collaborative care; Drug therapy; Hepatitis C infection; Patient compliance; Substance use disorders; Sustained virologic response
Authors: Laura E Starbird; Chakra Budhathoki; Hae-Ra Han; Mark S Sulkowski; Nancy R Reynolds; Jason E Farley Journal: J Viral Hepat Date: 2019-12-09 Impact factor: 3.728