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Ryan H, Dore GJ, Grebely J, Byrne M, Cunningham EB, Martinello M, Lloyd AR, Hajarizadeh B. Hepatitis C treatment outcome among people in prison: The SToP-C study. Liver Int 2024; 44:2996-3007. [PMID: 39192724 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden is higher among people in prison given high prevalence of injecting drug use. This study evaluated direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment outcome in prisons. METHODS The Surveillance and Treatment of Prisoners with hepatitis C (SToP-C) study enrolled individuals incarcerated in four Australian prisons (2017-2019). Participants with detectable HCV RNA were offered sofosbuvir-velpatasvir for 12 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was assessed in intention-to-treat (ITT; participants commencing treatment and due for SVR assessment before study close) and per-protocol (PP; participants with documented treatment completion and SVR assessment) populations. RESULTS Among 799 participants with HCV, 324 (41%) commenced treatment (94% male; median age, 32 years; median duration of incarceration, 9 months). In ITT population (n = 310), 201 had documented treatment completion (65% [95% CI: 59-70]), and 137 achieved SVR (ITT-SVR: 44% [95% CI: 39-50]). In PP population (n = 143), 137 achieved SVR (PP-SVR: 96% [95% CI: 91-98]). Six participants had quantifiable HCV RNA at SVR assessment from treatment failure (n = 2) or reinfection (n = 4). Release or inter-prison transfer was common reasons for no documented treatment completion (n = 106/109 [97%]) and no SVR assessment (n = 57/58 [98%]). In ITT analysis, longer incarceration was associated with increased SVR (adjusted OR per month 1.03 [95% CI: 1.01-1.04]). CONCLUSION Among participants who completed DAA treatment and were assessed for SVR, treatment outcome was consistent with non-prison clinical studies. However, most individuals did not complete treatment or lacked study-documented treatment outcome due to release or transfer. Strategies to accommodate dynamic prisoner populations are required to ensure continuity of HCV care, including treatment completion and post-treatment care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ryan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marianne Byrne
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evan B Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Sheehan Y, Cochrane A, Treloar C, Grebely J, Tedla N, Lloyd AR, Lafferty L. Understanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) health literacy and educational needs among people in prison to enhance HCV care in prisons. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 130:104516. [PMID: 38996643 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant concern within prison populations. Provision of HCV testing and treatment for people in prison is expanding and a key component of global elimination efforts. Despite growing service availability, several challenges remain in HCV testing and treatment engagement during incarceration. The PIVOT study demonstrated that a 'one-stop-shop' intervention (point-of-care HCV RNA testing, Fibroscan®, nurse-led clinical assessment, and fast-tracked direct-acting antiviral prescription) enhanced HCV testing and treatment at a reception prison in Australia. Utilising Squier et al's Health Literacy Skills Framework, this analysis aimed to understand HCV health literacy and educational needs among people at a reception prison in Australia. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-four male PIVOT study participants. Purposive sampling ensured comparable representation of those with: 1) prior HCV testing history (standard pathology / no prior testing), and 2) injecting drug use history (IDU; ever / never). RESULTS Varied HCV health literacy levels and educational needs were evident amongst people in prison. Whilst those with multiple incarceration episodes and IDU history (prior knowledge) appeared to have stronger HCV health literacy than those without, substantial gaps in HCV health literacy were evident. Knowledge of HCV transmission risks in prison was high, and most understood the importance of HCV testing and treatment in prison (comprehension), but ability to engage with HCV testing and treatment services, participation in safe injecting behaviours (health-related behaviours), and knowledge of re-infection and re-treatment, within the context of the prison environment, were suboptimal. There was a general desire for increased HCV education in prison. CONCLUSION Gaps in HCV health literacy among people in prison were evident, indicating opportunities for improvement. A targeted HCV education program for people in prison, addressing the gaps identified in this analysis, may enhance HCV testing, treatment, and prevention by fostering stronger HCV health literacy among people in prison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Sheehan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Amanda Cochrane
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (Justice Health NSW), Sydney, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicodemus Tedla
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lise Lafferty
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Australia
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Sahakyan Y, Erman A, Wong WWL, Greenaway C, Janjua N, Kwong JC, Sander B. Bridging Hepatitis C Care Gaps: A Modeling Approach for Achieving the WHO's Targets in Ontario, Canada. Viruses 2024; 16:1224. [PMID: 39205198 PMCID: PMC11359558 DOI: 10.3390/v16081224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) has set hepatitis C (HCV) elimination targets for 2030. Understanding existing gaps in the "HCV care-cascade" is essential for meeting these targets. We aimed to identify the level of service scale-up needed along the "HCV care-cascade" to achieve the WHO's HCV elimination targets in Ontario, Canada. METHODS By employing a decision analytic model, we projected the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and healthcare costs for individuals with HCV in Ontario. We increased RNA testing and treatment rates to 98%, followed by increasing antibody testing uptake until we achieved the WHO's mortality target (i.e., a 65% reduction in liver-related mortality by 2030 vs. 2015). RESULTS Without scaling up by 2030, the expected QALYs and costs per person were 9.156 and CAD 48,996, respectively. Improved RNA testing and treatment rates reduced liver-related deaths to 3.3/100,000, a 57% reduction from 2015. Further doubling the antibody testing rates can achieve the WHO's mortality target in 2035, but not in 2030. Compared to the status quo, such program would be cost-effective considering a 50,000 CAD/QALY gained threshold if annual implementation costs stayed under 2.3 M CAD/100,000 people. CONCLUSIONS Doubling the antibody testing rates, along with increased RNA testing and treatment rates, showed promise in meeting the WHO's goals by 2035.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeva Sahakyan
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; (Y.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Aysegul Erman
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; (Y.S.); (A.E.)
- ICES, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - William W. L. Wong
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; (Y.S.); (A.E.)
- ICES, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada;
| | - Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
| | - Naveed Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCDC), Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada;
| | - Jeffrey C. Kwong
- ICES, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; (Y.S.); (A.E.)
- ICES, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
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Winter RJ, Griffin S, Sheehan Y, Nguyen W, Stoové M, Lloyd AR, Thompson AJ. People in community corrections are a population with unmet need for viral hepatitis care. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102548. [PMID: 38516104 PMCID: PMC10955648 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To reach World Health Organization elimination targets for hepatitis C, different strategies are needed to reach people who have not yet been diagnosed and treated. In the context of declining treatment initiation rates, innovation in service design and delivery is necessary: testing and treatment needs to be offered to people in non-traditional settings. The community corrections (probation and parole) population is larger than the prison population, which has high prevalence of hepatitis C and-in some countries-established diagnosis and treatment programs. In this Viewpoint we identify a gap in hepatitis C care for people under community correctional supervision, a group who have either never been imprisoned or need continuity of healthcare provided in prison. We propose that offering hepatitis C screening and treatment would benefit this population, and accelerate progress to hepatitis C elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Winter
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samara Griffin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Yumi Sheehan
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - National Prisons Hepatitis Network
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Hepatitis Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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5
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Lafferty L, Beadman M, Ward J, Flynn E, Hosseini-Hooshyar S, Martinello M, Treloar C. Patient and healthcare provider perceptions of acceptability of fingerstick point-of-care hepatitis C testing at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 125:104335. [PMID: 38342050 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C (HCV) is highly prevalent in First Nations communities globally. Barriers in the uptake of testing and treatment create challenges to realise elimination of HCV in these communities. In efforts to reduce barriers to testing and treatment, the SCALE-C study implemented an HCV test-and-treat intervention integrating point-of-care HCV testing and FibroScan®. SCALE-C was carried out at four Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS; renowned for providing culturally safe care) in four regional towns in Australia. This qualitative analysis sought to understand healthcare provider and patient perceptions of acceptability of a community-based HCV test-and-treat intervention within ACCHS. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 23 patient participants and 14 healthcare personnel (including Aboriginal Health Workers/Practitioners, nurses, general practitioners, and practice managers) from across the four ACCHS involved in SCALE-C. A coding framework was developed among study authors and informed by Sekhon's Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. RESULTS The SCALE-C intervention enabled opportunities for healthcare providers to listen to patients, and for patients to feel heard (affective attitude). HCV testing was opportunistic and often occurred outside of the allocated SCALE-C clinical hours (burden). For patients, HCV testing within SCALE-C was viewed as a moral responsibility and ensured protection of self and others (ethicality). For personnel, SCALE-C (including following up visits) was regarded as an opportunity to engage with patients especially those with complex health needs which may be unrelated to HCV risk factors (ethicality). Patients and personnel widely regarded the SCALE-C intervention to be effective, and the test-and-treat model was preferable for both patients and personnel. CONCLUSION The SCALE-C intervention was broadly perceived to be acceptable among both healthcare providers and patients within ACCHS. Whilst the prioritisation of HCV was viewed as increasing patient engagement, it was also regarded as an opportunity for addressing other healthcare needs within Aboriginal communities. HCV test-and-treat models of care delivered by ACCHS simplify the HCV care pathway and ensure all HCV care is provided in a culturally safe setting (e.g., patients did not need to attend external services such as pathology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia; The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - James Ward
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Toowong, Australia
| | - Erin Flynn
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Toowong, Australia; Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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Grebely J, Matthews S, Causer LM, Feld JJ, Cunningham P, Dore GJ, Applegate TL. We have reached single-visit testing, diagnosis, and treatment for hepatitis C infection, now what? Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:177-191. [PMID: 38173401 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2292645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progress toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is impeded by low testing and treatment due to the current diagnostic pathway requiring multiple visits leading to loss to follow-up. Point-of-care testing technologies capable of detecting current HCV infection in one hour are a 'game-changer.' These tests enable diagnosis and treatment in a single visit, overcoming the barrier of multiple visits that frequently leads to loss to follow-up. Combining point-of-care HCV antibody and RNA tests should improve cost-effectiveness, patient/provider acceptability, and testing efficiency. However, implementing HCV point-of-care testing programs at scale requires multiple considerations. AREAS COVERED This commentary explores the need for point-of-care HCV tests, diagnostic strategies to improve HCV testing, key considerations for implementing point-of-care HCV testing programs, and remaining challenges for point-of-care testing (including operator training, quality management, connectivity and reporting systems, regulatory approval processes, and the need for more efficient tests). EXPERT OPINION It is exciting that single-visit testing, diagnosis, and treatment for HCV infection have been achieved. Innovations afforded through COVID-19 should facilitate the accelerated development of low-cost, rapid, and accurate tests to improve HCV testing. The next challenge will be to address barriers and facilitators for implementing point-of-care testing to deliver them at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Matthews
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise M Causer
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Philip Cunningham
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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MacIsaac MB, Whitton B, Anderson J, Cogger S, Vella-Horne D, Penn M, Weeks A, Elmore K, Pemberton D, Winter RJ, Papaluca T, Howell J, Hellard M, Stoové M, Wilson D, Pedrana A, Doyle JS, Clark N, Holmes JA, Thompson AJ. Point-of-care HCV RNA testing improves hepatitis C testing rates and allows rapid treatment initiation among people who inject drugs attending a medically supervised injecting facility. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 125:104317. [PMID: 38281385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination targets, simplified care engaging people who inject drugs is required. We evaluated whether fingerstick HCV RNA point-of-care testing (PoCT) increased the proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility who were tested for hepatitis C. METHODS Prospective single-arm study with recruitment between 9 November 2020 and 28 January 2021 and follow-up to 31 July 2021. Clients attending the supervised injecting facility were offered HCV RNA testing using the Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) PoCT. Participants with a positive HCV RNA test were prescribed direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of clients who engaged in HCV RNA PoCT, compared to a historical comparator group when venepuncture-based hepatitis C testing was standard of care. RESULTS Among 1618 clients who attended the supervised injecting facility during the study period, 228 (14%) engaged in PoCT. This was significantly higher than that observed in the historical comparator group (61/1,775, 3%; p < 0.001). Sixty-five (28%) participants were HCV RNA positive, with 40/65 (62%) receiving their result on the same day as testing. Sixty-one (94%) HCV RNA positive participants were commenced on DAA therapy; 14/61 (23%) started treatment on the same day as diagnosis. There was no difference in the proportion of HCV RNA positive participants commenced on treatment with DAA therapy when compared to the historical comparator group (61/65, 94% vs 22/26, 85%; p = 0.153). However, the median time to treatment initiation was significantly shorter in the PoCT cohort (2 days (IQR 1-20) vs 41 days (IQR 22-76), p < 0.001). Among participants who commenced treatment and had complete follow-up data available, 27/36 (75%) achieved hepatitis C cure. CONCLUSIONS HCV RNA PoCT led to a significantly higher proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility engaging in hepatitis C testing, whilst also reducing the time to treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B MacIsaac
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradley Whitton
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenine Anderson
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shelley Cogger
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dylan Vella-Horne
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Penn
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Weeks
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kasey Elmore
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Pemberton
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Winter
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy Papaluca
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicolas Clark
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Department of Addiction Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacinta A Holmes
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Shih STF, Stone J, Martin NK, Hajarizadeh B, Cunningham EB, Kwon JA, McGrath C, Grant L, Grebely J, Dore GJ, Lloyd AR, Vickerman P, Chambers GM. Scale-up of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment in Prisons Is Both Cost-effective and Key to Hepatitis C Virus Elimination. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad637. [PMID: 38344130 PMCID: PMC10854215 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The Surveillance and Treatment of Prisoners With Hepatitis C (SToP-C) study demonstrated that scaling up of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment reduced hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of scaling up HCV treatment in statewide prison services incorporating long-term outcomes across custodial and community settings. Methods A dynamic model of incarceration and HCV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) in New South Wales, Australia, was extended to include former PWID and those with long-term HCV progression. Using Australian costing data, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of scaling up HCV treatment in prisons by 44% (as achieved by the SToP-C study) for 10 years (2021-2030) before reducing to baseline levels, compared to a status quo scenario. The mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated by comparing the differences in costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between the scale-up and status quo scenarios over 40 years (2021-2060) discounted at 5% per annum. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Scaling up HCV treatment in the statewide prison service is projected to be cost-effective with a mean ICER of A$12 968/QALY gained. The base-case scenario gains 275 QALYs over 40 years at a net incremental cost of A$3.6 million. Excluding DAA pharmaceutical costs, the mean ICER is reduced to A$6 054/QALY. At the willingness-to-pay threshold of A$50 000/QALY, 100% of simulations are cost-effective at various discount rates, time horizons, and changes of treatment levels in prison and community. Conclusions Scaling up HCV testing and treatment in prisons is highly cost-effective and should be considered a priority in the national elimination strategy. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02064049.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophy T F Shih
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evan B Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jisoo A Kwon
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Colette McGrath
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, New South Wales Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke Grant
- Corrective Services New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina M Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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