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Wang AE, Hsieh E, Turner BJ, Terrault N. Integrating Management of Hepatitis C Infection into Primary Care: the Key to Hepatitis C Elimination Efforts. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3435-3443. [PMID: 35484367 PMCID: PMC9551010 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV), a leading cause of liver disease in the USA and globally, has been made possible with the advent of highly efficacious direct acting antivirals (DAAs). DAA regimens offer cure of HCV with 8-12 weeks of a well-tolerated once daily therapy. With increasingly straightforward diagnostic and treatment algorithms, HCV infection can be managed not only by specialists, but also by primary care providers. Engaging primary care providers greatly increases capacity to diagnose and treat chronic HCV and ultimately make HCV elimination a reality. However, barriers remain at each step in the HCV cascade of care from screening to evaluation and treatment. Since primary care is at the forefront of patient contact, it represents the ideal place to concentrate efforts to identify barriers and implement solutions to achieve universal HCV screening and increase curative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eric Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Barbara J Turner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Norah Terrault
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Flores BE, Fernandez AA, Wang CP, Bobadilla R, Hernandez L, Jain MK, Turner BJ. Educating Primary Care Providers and Associate Care Providers About Hepatitis C Screening of Baby Boomers: a Multi-practice Study. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2022; 37:217-223. [PMID: 32588350 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite higher prevalence of HCV in persons born 1945-1965 (baby boomer), screening has not been widely adopted. Both primary care providers (PCPs) and associate care providers (ACPs) need to be educated about the rationale and methods to screen for HCV. In five Federally Qualified Health Centers serving low-income Hispanic communities, PCPs and ACPs attended a 50-min training lecture about HCV epidemiology, screening methods, and evaluation. Using a 12-item questionnaire, knowledge and attitudes were compared for PCPs and ACPs at baseline (pre-test) and following training (post-test). A higher proportion of PCPs correctly answered 3 of 6 knowledge questions on both pre-test and post-test but ACPs' showed more improvement in knowledge (all P < 0.05). ACPs had more favorable attitudes about linking patients to care on pre- and post-tests than PCPs, and ACPs' attitudes improved on all 6 items versus 4 for PCPs. Both PCPs and ACPs improved knowledge and attitudes after training about HCV screening but ACPs had more favorable attitudes than PCPs. Engaging the entire primary care practice team in learning about HCV screening promotes knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha E Flores
- School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Andrea A Fernandez
- School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Chen-Pin Wang
- Population Health, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health (ReACH), UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Raudel Bobadilla
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health (ReACH), UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ludivina Hernandez
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health (ReACH), UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Barbara J Turner
- Gehr Center for Health Systems Science and Innovation, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Dr IRD 322, Los Angeles, CA, 91202, USA.
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Higashi RT, Jain MK, Quirk L, Rich NE, Waljee AK, Turner BJ, Lee SC, Singal AG. Patient and provider-level barriers to hepatitis C screening and linkage to care: A mixed-methods evaluation. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:680-689. [PMID: 32048397 PMCID: PMC7299760 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Achieving practice change can be challenging when guidelines shift from a selective risk-based strategy to a broader population health strategy, as occurred for hepatitis C (HCV) screening (2012-2013). We aimed to evaluate patient and provider barriers that contributed to suboptimal HCV screening and linkage-to-care rates after implementation of an intervention to improve HCV screening and linkage-to-care processes in a large, public integrated healthcare system following the guidelines change. As part of a mixed-methods study, we collected data through patient surveys (n = 159), focus groups (n = 9) and structured observation of providers and staff (n = 9). We used these findings to then inform domains for the second phase, which consisted of semi-structured interviews with patients across the screening-treatment continuum (n = 24) and providers and staff at primary care and hepatology clinics (n = 21). We transcribed and thematically analysed interviews using an integrated inductive and deductive framework. We identified lack of clarity about treatment cost, treatment complications and likelihood of cure as ongoing patient-level barriers to screening and linkage to care. Provider-level barriers included scepticism about establishing HCV screening as a quality metric given competing clinical priorities, particularly for patients with multiple comorbidities. However, most felt positively about adding HCV as a quality metric to enhance HCV screening and linkage to care. Provider engagement yielded suggestions for process improvements that resulted in increased stakeholder buy-in and real-time enhancements to the HCV screening process intervention. Systematic data collection at baseline and during practice change implementation may facilitate adoption and adaptation to improve HCV screening guideline implementation. Findings identified several key opportunities and lessons to enhance the impact of practice change interventions to improve HCV screening and treatment delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin T. Higashi
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9066,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2201 Inwood Rd., Dallas TX 75390
| | - Mamta K. Jain
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2201 Inwood Rd., Dallas TX 75390,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5939 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9124,Parkland Health and Hospital System, 5201 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Lisa Quirk
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9066
| | - Nicole E. Rich
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5939 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9124,Parkland Health and Hospital System, 5201 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Akbar K. Waljee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 3110 Taubman Center, SPC 5368, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5368,VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,Michigan Integrated Center for Health Analytics and Medical Prediction (MiCHAMP) 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Barbara J. Turner
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229,ReACH: Center for Research to Advance Community Health, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Rd., Suite 1050, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Simon Craddock Lee
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9066,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2201 Inwood Rd., Dallas TX 75390
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2201 Inwood Rd., Dallas TX 75390,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5939 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9124,Parkland Health and Hospital System, 5201 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235
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Schillie S, Wester C, Osborne M, Wesolowski L, Ryerson AB. CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening Among Adults - United States, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep 2020; 69:1-17. [PMID: 32271723 PMCID: PMC7147910 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr6902a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. HCV is transmitted primarily through parenteral exposures to infectious blood or body fluids that contain blood, most commonly through injection drug use. No vaccine against hepatitis C exists and no effective pre- or postexposure prophylaxis is available. More than half of persons who become infected with HCV will develop chronic infection. Direct-acting antiviral treatment can result in a virologic cure in most persons with 8-12 weeks of all-oral medication regimens. This report augments (i.e., updates and summarizes) previously published recommendations from CDC regarding testing for HCV infection in the United States (Smith BD, Morgan RL, Beckett GA, et al. Recommendations for the identification of chronic hepatitis C virus infection among persons born during 1945-1965. MMWR Recomm Rec 2012;61[No. RR-4]). CDC is augmenting previous guidance with two new recommendations: 1) hepatitis C screening at least once in a lifetime for all adults aged ≥18 years, except in settings where the prevalence of HCV infection is <0.1% and 2) hepatitis C screening for all pregnant women during each pregnancy, except in settings where the prevalence of HCV infection is <0.1%. The recommendation for HCV testing that remains unchanged is regardless of age or setting prevalence, all persons with risk factors should be tested for hepatitis C, with periodic testing while risk factors persist. Any person who requests hepatitis C testing should receive it, regardless of disclosure of risk, because many persons might be reluctant to disclose stigmatizing risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schillie
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
| | - Carolyn Wester
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
| | - Melissa Osborne
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
| | - Laura Wesolowski
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
| | - A. Blythe Ryerson
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
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Turner BJ, Rochat A, Lill S, Bobadilla R, Hernandez L, Choi A, Guerrero JA. Hepatitis C Virus Screening and Care: Complexity of Implementation in Primary Care Practices Serving Disadvantaged Populations. Ann Intern Med 2019; 171:865-874. [PMID: 31791065 DOI: 10.7326/m18-3573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities. OBJECTIVE To examine processes and outcomes of Screen, Treat, Or Prevent Hepatocellular Carcinoma (STOP HCC), a multicomponent intervention for HCV screening and care in safety-net primary care practices. DESIGN Mixed-methods retrospective analysis. SETTING 5 federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and 1 family medicine residency program serving low-income communities in diverse locations with largely Hispanic populations. PATIENTS Persons born in 1945 through 1965 (baby boomers) who had never been tested for HCV and were followed through May 2018. INTERVENTION The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) model guided implementation and evaluation. Test costs were covered for uninsured patients. MEASUREMENTS All practices tested patients for anti-HCV antibody (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA. For uninsured patients with chronic HCV in 4 practices, quantitative data also enabled assessment of HCV staging, specialist teleconsultation, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, and sustained virologic response (SVR). Implementation fidelity and adaptation were assessed qualitatively. RESULTS Anti-HCV screening was done in 13 334 of 27 700 baby boomers (48.1%, varying by practice from 19.8% to 71.3%). Of 695 anti-HCV-positive patients, HCV RNA was tested in 520 (74.8%; 48.9% to 92.9% by practice), and 349 persons (2.6% of those screened) were diagnosed with chronic HCV. In 4 FQHCs, 174 (84.9%) of 205 uninsured patients with chronic HCV had disease staging, 145 (70.7%) had teleconsultation review, 119 (58.0%) were recommended to start DAA therapy, 82 (40.0%) initiated free DAA therapy, 74 (36.1%) completed therapy (27.8% to 60.0% by practice), and 70 (94.6% of DAA completers) achieved SVR. Implementation was promoted by multilevel practice engagement, patient navigation, and anti-HCV screening with reflex HCV RNA testing. LIMITATION No control practices were included, and data were missing for some variables. CONCLUSION Despite a similar framework for STOP HCC implementation, performance varied widely across safety-net practices, which may reflect practice engagement as well as infrastructure or cost challenges beyond practice control. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Turner
- Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine and Center for Research to Advance Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, and Keck Medical Center and Gehr Center for Health Systems Science and Innovation, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California (B.J.T.)
| | - Andrea Rochat
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (A.R., S.L., R.B., L.H.)
| | - Sarah Lill
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (A.R., S.L., R.B., L.H.)
| | - Raudel Bobadilla
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (A.R., S.L., R.B., L.H.)
| | - Ludivina Hernandez
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (A.R., S.L., R.B., L.H.)
| | - Aro Choi
- Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine and Center for Research to Advance Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (A.C.)
| | - Juan A Guerrero
- Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (J.A.G.)
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Caring for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Nursing 2019; 49:36-42. [PMID: 30720670 DOI: 10.1097/01.nurse.0000553271.39804.a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the US. This article discusses the pathophysiology of HCV infection, new treatment options, and nursing care and patient teaching for patients with chronic HCV infection.
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