Theme: Models of Care Year: 2019
Background: In November 2018 the Kirketon Road Centre (KRC), a primary health care service in
Sydney in partnership with the NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) needle and syringe program
(NSP) established a daily peer-supported primary health service with a focus on hepatitis C virus
(HCV). This study describes the development, activity and outcomes at this clinic.
Description of model of care: NUAA peers promoted clinical services including STI/ BBI screening,
HCV treatment, vaccination, fibroscan, wound dressing, alcohol and other drugs assessment, and
health education. KRC and NUAA staff collaborate to co-ordinate, promote and enhance consumer
engagement. Data relating to clinical consultations was extracted from the clinic database.
Effectiveness: Between 22nd November 2018 and 18th February 2019 there were 45 clinic days
registering 153 visits for 86 individuals, equaling 3.4 clients per clinic. 27% (23/86) had never
previously attended KRC. 76% (65/86) were male and 81% (70/86) >35 years of age. 19% (16/86)
identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander. 21% (18/86) identified as gay, 17% (15/86) were sex
workers. 10% (9/86) were known HIV positive and 34% (29/86) had ever been diagnosed HCV
positive. 45 dried blood spot tests for Hepatitis C RNA were performed by the NSP team, and an
additional 27 Hepatitis C IgG or plasma RNA tests were conducted. 9 individuals were HCV RNA
positive; 6 have initiated treatment with peer support, 2 receiving their medications from the NSP.
16 people received hepatitis B vaccine.
Conclusion and next steps: Operating a clinical service in collaboration with peers has demonstrated
excellent consumer engagement, particularly with consumers who had not previously engaged in
healthcare. Consumers attending the NSP are highly marginalised with limited access to care.
Screening and HCV treatment has successfully been carried out using this collaborative model. A
more detailed evaluation of motivation of consumer engagement is planned to take place.
Disclosure of Interest Statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.