Sandra Tilmon1, A Aronsohn2, B Boodram3, L Canary4, S Goel5, T Hamlish6, S Kemble7, D S Lauderdale8, J Layden9, K Lee1, A J Millman4, N Nelson4, K Ritger10, I Rodriguez1, N Shurupova11, J Wolf12, D Johnson1. 1. Academic Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. 2. Gastroenterology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. 3. Department of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA. 4. CDC: Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. 5. Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University (Medicine), Chicago, IL 60611 USA. 6. Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA. 7. Hawaii Department of Health, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. 8. Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637. 9. Illinois Department of Public Health, West Chicago, IL 60185, USA. 10. Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60604, USA. 11. Medical Research Analytics and Informatics Alliance (MRAIA), Chicago, IL 60606, USA. 12. Caring Ambassadors Program, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C infection could be eliminated. Underdiagnosis and lack of treatment are the barriers to cure, especially for vulnerable populations (i.e. unable to pay for health care). METHODS: A multilevel intervention from September 2014 to September 2019 focused on the providers and organizations in 'the safety net' (providing health care to populations unable to pay), including: (i) public education, (ii) training for primary care providers (PCPs) and case managers, (iii) case management for high-risk populations, (iv) policy advice and (v) a registry (Registry) for 13 health centers contributing data. The project tracked the number of PCPs trained and, among Registry sites, the number of people screened, engaged in care (i.e. clinical follow-up after diagnosis), treated and/or cured. RESULTS: In Chicago, 215 prescribing PCPs and 56 other health professionals, 86% of whom work in the safety net, were trained to manage hepatitis C. Among Registry sites, there was a 137% increase in antibody screening and a 32% increase in current hepatitis C diagnoses. Engagement in care rose by 18%. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis C Community Alliance to Test and Treat (HepCCATT) successfully targeted safety net providers and organizations with a comprehensive care approach. While there were challenges, HepCCATT observed increased hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and engagement in care in the Chicago community.
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C infection could be eliminated. Underdiagnosis and lack of treatment are the barriers to cure, especially for vulnerable populations (i.e. unable to pay for health care). METHODS: A multilevel intervention from September 2014 to September 2019 focused on the providers and organizations in 'the safety net' (providing health care to populations unable to pay), including: (i) public education, (ii) training for primary care providers (PCPs) and case managers, (iii) case management for high-risk populations, (iv) policy advice and (v) a registry (Registry) for 13 health centers contributing data. The project tracked the number of PCPs trained and, among Registry sites, the number of people screened, engaged in care (i.e. clinical follow-up after diagnosis), treated and/or cured. RESULTS: In Chicago, 215 prescribing PCPs and 56 other health professionals, 86% of whom work in the safety net, were trained to manage hepatitis C. Among Registry sites, there was a 137% increase in antibody screening and a 32% increase in current hepatitis C diagnoses. Engagement in care rose by 18%. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis C Community Alliance to Test and Treat (HepCCATT) successfully targeted safety net providers and organizations with a comprehensive care approach. While there were challenges, HepCCATT observed increased hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and engagement in care in the Chicago community.
Authors: Megan G Hofmeister; Elizabeth M Rosenthal; Laurie K Barker; Eli S Rosenberg; Meredith A Barranco; Eric W Hall; Brian R Edlin; Jonathan Mermin; John W Ward; A Blythe Ryerson Journal: Hepatology Date: 2018-11-06 Impact factor: 17.425
Authors: Carmela Socolovsky; Christopher Masi; Tamara Hamlish; Glen Aduana; Sanjeev Arora; George Bakris; Daniel Johnson Journal: Prog Community Health Partnersh Date: 2013
Authors: Robert J Wong; Mamta K Jain; George Therapondos; Mitchell L Shiffman; Onkar Kshirsagar; Christopher Clark; Mae Thamer Journal: Am J Gastroenterol Date: 2018-03-09 Impact factor: 10.864
Authors: M J Alter; R J Gerety; L A Smallwood; R E Sampliner; E Tabor; F Deinhardt; G Frösner; G M Matanoski Journal: J Infect Dis Date: 1982-06 Impact factor: 5.226