文章基本信息

标题：Hepcare europe: Hepcheck; reaching vulnerable populations
本地全文：下载
作者：Walter Cullen ; John Lambert ; Cristiana Oprea 等
期刊名称：International Journal of Integrated Care
电子版ISSN：1568-4156
出版年度：2018
卷号：18
期号：s2
DOI：10.5334/ijic.s2337
出版社：Utrecht University, Maastricht University, Groningen University
摘要：Introduction : HepCare Europe is a three year EU funded project involving collaboration with four member states. The vision for the project is to create an innovative, integrated system for Hepatitis C HCV testing & treatment among key ‘at-risk’ groups, including people who inject drugs PWID’s and the homeless, through outreach to the community and integration of primary and secondary care services. With clinical sites in Dublin, London, Seville and Bucharest, and economic evaluation in Bristol UK, the consortium has developed a number of work packages focused on operationalizing the multiple components of testing, care and cure that are key components of the strategy to eradicate HCV in the European Union. Consortium members include UCD Ireland SAS Spain SVB Romania University of Bristol UK and University College London UK Theory/Method : The HepCheck component of the project offered screening across the four clinical sites in Dublin, London, Seville and Bucharest. Point of care testing was offered to ‘at- risk’ groups who are frequently marginalized with respect to health service engagement. Screening was conducted in prisons, opioid substitution treatment clinics and in homeless services. Results : A total of 1,749 individuals were screened, 31.2 % n=559 tested HCV antibody positive. To date 40% n= 222 individuals have attended a specialist appointment for HCV treatment. In-depth analysis of the data is ongoing including identification of risk factors for HCV infection, levels of HCV related liver disease, prevalence of blood borne viruses and linkage to care. Discussion : In order to achieve World Health Organisation WHO HCV elimination targets by 2030 we need to identify and successfully treat the most vulnerable HCV individuals in the community. Conclusion : Community based screening intervention can enhance HCV diagnosis for at risk populations but referrals to/ attendance at secondary care remains a challenge for this cohort. Lessons Learned: The HepCheck data highlights the potential for developing interventions to enhance engagement with HCV screening and entry to the cascade of care required to cure HCV. Suggestions for future Research : Based on the findings of this study further research is required to develop community based interventions to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are engaged with the HCV care pathway and have the opportunity of treatment and cure.
关键词：hcv ; pwids ; homeless ; at risk