Background:
There is increasing interest in innovative models to provide low-barrier access to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) care for people who use drugs (PWUD), including hospital-based treatment programs. In 2022 we developed a multidisciplinary telehealth model at a tertiary academic urban medical center, with similar models across the globe.1-4 However, the sustainability of these programs has not been well-established.
Description of program:
The HCV TOT program was initially funded through a small pilot grant mechanism. After demonstrating its value, the program was granted sustained funding through the Department of Pharmacy to expand its team. The program rapidly identifies HCV-infected adults in the hospital, links them to social work to assess barriers to and readiness for treatment, and coordinates telehealth consultations for treatment initiation during hospitalization or soon after discharge. The programs also connect patients to community resources for continuity of care. Multidisciplinary telephonic and community outreach are included to support engagement and treatment adherence.
Effectiveness:
From October 2023 through February 2025, 67 patients were enrolled and completed a telehealth consultation for HCV treatment. More than 60% were, or are still are, actively engaged in program: 26 patients have completed treatment (30%), 14 remain on treatment (21%), and 9 have been evaluated and are awaiting treatment initiation (13%). Eight patients were lost to follow-up (12%), and 7 had incomplete treatment (10%). Seventeen patients were successfully connected to substance use treatment programs, and 15 were able to achieve temporary or permanent housing.
Conclusion and next steps:
HCV TOT program is a sustainable hospital-based model to treat HCV infection in PWUD. This multidisciplinary team, including pharmacy, addiction medicine, and social work, has successfully supported patients with high barriers to engaging in traditional models of treatment delivery.
Disclosure of Interest Statement:
Jane Babiarz serves on the Gilead HIV Prevention Speaker’s Bureau. |