IMPROVING THE UPTAKE IN HCV TREATMENT EFFORTS BY IMPLEMENTING PATIENT CENTERED SERVICE DELIVERY INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS

Background:
The PWID population is currently facing a number of barriers to care. Many times people who use drugs are marginalized and left feeling dehumanized. During HCV treatment efforts, We have an opportunity to rehumanize this patient population. This patient population faces housing insecurity, food insecurity, and stigma concerning their diagnoses and treatment. In our treatment efforts we were able to get feedback from several of the facilities that we service along with the patients about their concerns related to HCV treatment in relation to service delivery. Bottles have previously been available for clients in incarceration facilities. We petitioned for and were able to implement a bottle pilot study to improve service delivery outcomes, patient satisfaction, and treatment completion rates.

Effectiveness:
 In 2024, the Hep C Cure Squad recognized the importance of service delivery options to meet the needs of our patients in the various treatment settings.   To eliminate barriers to treatment we incorporated patient centered interventions to service delivery and improving the uptake of HCV medications.  Meeting patients in these settings allows for the unique opportunity to implement strategies and eliminate stigma associated with HCV encouraging treatment in this  vulnerable population. 

Conclusion:
Utilizing motivational interviewing during the intake process allowed us to determine the drivers to seek care and to continue in health seeking behaviors. This allows us to tailor interventions and direct their care as they choose. Since the implementation of our Bottle pilot for HCV treatment: we have seen an increase in our HCV treatment completion rates and overall patient satisfaction with HCV treatment from both the facilities that we partner with and the patients we serve.