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Dowlatshahi S, Koh J, Vyas A, Mack WJ, Turner BJ. Disparities in Care for Low-Income Patients with Cirrhosis: Implementing an Innovative Outpatient Clinic for Refractory Ascites in a Safety Net Hospital. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1245-1251. [PMID: 38378980 PMCID: PMC11116333 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08675-0] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in life-saving interventions for low-income patients with cirrhosis necessitate innovative models of care. AIM To implement a novel generalist-led FLuid ASPiration (FLASP) clinic to reduce emergency department (ED) care for refractory ascites. SETTING A large safety net hospital in Los Angeles. PARTICIPANTS MediCal patients with paracentesis in the ED from 6/1/2020 to 1/31/2021 or in FLASP clinic or the ED from 3/1/2021 to 4/30/2022. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION According to RE-AIM, adoption obtained administrative endorsement and oriented ED staff. Reach engaged ED staff and eligible patients with timely access to FLASP. Implementation trained FLASP clinicians in safer, guideline-based paracentesis, facilitated timely access, and offered patient education and support. PROGRAM EVALUATION After FLASP clinic opened, significantly fewer ED visits were made by patients discharged after paracentesis [rate ratio (RR) of 0.33 (95% CI 0.28, 0.40, p < 0.0001)] but not if subsequently hospitalized (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.70, 1.11). Among 2685 paracenteses in 225 FLASP patients, complications were infrequent: 39 (1.5%) spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, 265 (9.9%) acute kidney injury, and 2 (< 0.001%) hypotension. FLASP patients rated satisfaction highly on a Likert-type question. DISCUSSION Patients with refractory ascites in large safety net hospitals may benefit from an outpatient procedure clinic instead of ED care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Dowlatshahi
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Koh
- Department of Medicine, Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Annasha Vyas
- Department of Medicine, Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wendy J Mack
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Barbara J Turner
- Department of Medicine, Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Gehr Family Center for Health Systems Science and Innovation, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Clinical Sciences Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Walter LA, Prados M, Lloyd A, Sontheimer S, Heimann M, Rodgers JB, Hand DT, Franco R. Birth cohort-specific consideration in an Emergency Department Hepatitis C Testing Programme: A description of age-related characteristics and outcomes. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:233-239. [PMID: 38366787 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13930] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The emergency department (ED) has increasingly become an important public health partner in non-targeted hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and referral to care efforts. HCV has traditionally been an infection associated with the Baby Boomer generation; however, recent exacerbation of the opioid epidemic has resulted in a growing number of younger cohorts, namely Millennials, also impacted by HCV. Examination of this age-related demographic shift, including subsequent linkage success and linkage barriers, from the perspective of an ED-based testing and linkage programme may have implications for future population and health systems interventions. A retrospective descriptive chart review was performed, inclusive of data from August 2015 through December 2020. We compared the quantity of positive HCV screening antibody (Ab) and confirmatory (RNA) tests and further considered linkage rates and correlative demographics (e.g. gender, race). Patient barriers to HCV care linkage (e.g. substance misuse, lack of health insurance, homelessness) were also evaluated. The data set was disaggregated by birth cohort to include Silent Generation (SG) (1928-45), Baby Boomer (BB) (1946-64), Generation X (Gen X) (1965-80), Millennial (1981-96) and Generation Z (1997-2012). Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were performed. Overall, 83,817 patients were tested for HCV (50.6% of eligible); 6187 (7.4%) were HCV Ab positive, and 2665 were HCV RNA positive (3.2%). RNA-positive individuals were more likely to be white (70.4%) and male (67.7%); generational distribution was similar (BB 33.3%, Gen X 32.0% and Millennials 32.7%). Amongst Ab-positive patients, white (45.5%), male (47.2%) and Millennial (49.7%) individuals were most likely to be RNA-positive. Overall, 28.1% of the RNA-positive cohort successfully linked to care; linkage to care rates were significantly higher in older generations (38.1% in BB vs. 17.8% in Millennials) (p < .00001). Over 90% were identified as having at least one linkage to care barrier. Younger generations (Gen X and Millennials) were disproportionately impacted by linkage barriers, including incarceration, lack of health insurance, history of mental health and substance use disorders, as well as history of or active injection drug use (IDU) (p < .00001). Older generations (SG and BB) were more likely to be impacted by competing medical comorbidities (p < .00001). The ED population represents a particularly vulnerable, at-risk cohort with a high prevalence of HCV and linkage to care barriers. While past HCV-specific recommendations and interventions have focused on Baby Boomers, this data suggests that younger generations, including Gen X and Millennials, are increasingly affected by HCV and face disparate social risk and social need factors which impede definitive care linkage and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Walter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Myles Prados
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Audrey Lloyd
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sylvie Sontheimer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Heimann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Joel B Rodgers
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Delissa T Hand
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ricardo Franco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Fluker SA, Darby R, McDaniel K, Quairoli K, Mbonu C, Kilakkathi S, Koumtouzoua S, Jagannathan R, Miller LS. Large-Scale, Primary Care-Based Hepatitis C Treatment in an Urban, Medically Underserved Patient Population. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:163-168. [PMID: 37232166 PMCID: PMC10851899 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231170205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a critical public health concern in the United States. HCV is highly curable, but access to care is limited for many patients. Primary care models can expand access to HCV care. The Grady Liver Clinic (GLC) is a primary care-based HCV clinic founded in 2002. During 20 years, using a multidisciplinary team, the GLC expanded its operations in response to advances in HCV screening and treatment. We describe the clinic model, patient population, and treatment outcomes of the clinic from 2015 through 2019. During this period, 2689 patients were seen in the GLC, and 77% (n = 2083) initiated treatment. Eighty-five percent (1779 of 2083) of patients who started treatment completed treatment and were tested for cure, and 1723 (83% of the total treated cohort, 97% of those tested for cure) were cured. Building on a successful primary care-based treatment model, the GLC dynamically responded to the changes in HCV screening and treatment guidelines, continually increasing access to HCV care. The GLC serves as a model of primary care-based HCV care that aims to achieve HCV microelimination in a safety-net health system. Our findings support the notion that for the United States to achieve elimination of HCV by 2030, generalists can and should provide HCV care, particularly in medically underserved patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly-Ann Fluker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Kristi Quairoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Collins Mbonu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sindhu Kilakkathi
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Koumtouzoua
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ram Jagannathan
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Lesley S. Miller
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Tao Y, Tang W, Fajardo E, Cheng M, He S, Bissram JS, Hiebert L, Ward JW, Chou R, Rodríguez-Frías F, Easterbrook P, Tucker JD. Reflex Hepatitis C Virus Viral Load Testing Following an Initial Positive Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Test: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:1137-1156. [PMID: 37648655 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people who have a positive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (Ab) test never receive a confirmatory HCV RNA viral load (VL) test. Reflex VL testing may help address this problem. We undertook a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of reflex VL testing compared with standard nonreflex approaches on outcomes across the HCV care cascade. METHODS We searched 4 databases for studies that examined laboratory-based reflex or clinic-based reflex VL testing approaches, with or without a nonreflex comparator, and had data on the uptake of HCV RNA VL test and treatment initiation and turnaround time between Ab and VL testing. Both laboratory- and clinic-based reflex VL testing involve only a single clinic visit. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS Fifty-one studies were included (32 laboratory-based and 19 clinic-based reflex VL testing). Laboratory-based reflex VL testing increased HCV VL test uptake versus nonreflex testing (RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.16-1.58) and may improve linkage to care among people with a positive HCV RNA test (RR: 1.47; 95% CI: .81-2.67) and HCV treatment initiation (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: .46-2.32). The median time between Ab and VL test was <1 day for all laboratory-based reflex studies and 0-5 days for 13 clinic-based reflex testing. CONCLUSIONS Laboratory-based and clinic-based HCV reflex VL testing increased uptake and reduced time to HCV VL testing and may increase HCV linkage to care. The World Health Organization now recommends reflex VL testing as an additional strategy to promote access to HCV VL testing and treatment. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021283822.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusha Tao
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emmanuel Fajardo
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mengyuan Cheng
- Dermatology Hospital of South Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiyi He
- China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, China
| | - Jennifer S Bissram
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsey Hiebert
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Roger Chou
- Departments of Medicine and Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Frías
- Liver Pathology Unit, Biochemistry and Microbiology Service, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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El-Serag HB, Ward JW, Asrani SK, Singal AG, Rich N, Thrift AP, Deshpande S, Turner BJ, Kaseb AO, Harrison AC, Fortune BE, Kanwal F. Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). White Paper of the Texas Collaborative Center for Hepatocellular Cancer (TeCH) Multi-stakeholder Conference. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2183-2192. [PMID: 37086825 PMCID: PMC10524305 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.03.029] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Texas has the highest age-adjusted incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas has funded the Texas Collaborative Center for Hepatocellular Cancer (TeCH) to facilitate HCC research, education, and advocacy activities with the overall goal of reducing HCC mortality in Texas through coordination, collaboration, and advocacy. METHODS On September 17, 2022, TeCH co-sponsored a multi-stakeholder conference on HCC with the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences. This conference was attended by HCC researchers, policy makers, payers, members from pharmaceutical industry and patient advocacy groups in and outside of Texas. This report summarizes the results of the conference. RESULTS The goal of this meeting was to identify different strategies for preventing HCC and evaluate their readiness for implementation. CONCLUSIONS We call for a statewide (1) viral hepatitis elimination program; (2) program to increase nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and obesity awareness; (3) research program to develop health care models that integrate alcohol associated liver disease treatment and treatment for alcohol use disorder; and (4) demonstration projects to evaluate the effectiveness of identifying and linking patient with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John W Ward
- The Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia
| | | | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Texas
| | - Nicole Rich
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Texas
| | - Aaron P Thrift
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Barbara J Turner
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ariel C Harrison
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Brett E Fortune
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Chan BL, Ezekiel-Herrera D, Bailey SR, Marino M, Lucas JA, Giebultowicz S, Cottrell E, Carroll J, Heintzman J. Screening for Hepatitis C Among Community Health Center Patients by Ethnicity and Language Preference. AJPM FOCUS 2023; 2:100077. [PMID: 37790651 PMCID: PMC10546589 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis C virus is associated with high morbidity and mortality-chronic liver disease is a leading cause of death among Latinos in the U.S. Screening for hepatitis C virus in community health center settings, which serve a disproportionate percentage of Latinos, is essential to eradicating hepatitis C virus infection. We assessed hepatitis C virus screening disparities in adults served by community health centers by ethnicity and language preference. Methods This was an observational cohort study (spanning 2013-2017) of adults born in 1945-1965 in the Accelerating Data Value Across a National Community Health Center Network electronic health record data set. Our exposure of interest was race/ethnicity and language preference (non-Hispanic White, Latino English preferred, Latino Spanish preferred). Our primary outcome was the relative hazard of hepatitis C virus screening, estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Results A total of 182,002 patients met the study criteria and included 60% non-Hispanic Whites, 29% Latino Spanish preferred, and 11% Latino English preferred. In total, 9% received hepatitis C virus screening, and 2.4% were diagnosed with hepatitis C virus. Latino English-preferred patients had lower rates of screening than both non-Hispanic Whites and Latino Spanish preferred (5.5% vs 9.4% vs 9.6%, respectively). Latino English preferred had lower hazards of hepatitis C virus screening than non-Hispanic Whites (adjusted hazard ratio=0.56, 95% CI=0.44, 0.72), and Latino Spanish preferred had similar hazards of hepatitis C virus screening (adjusted hazard ratio=1.11, 95% CI=0.88, 1.41). Conclusions We found that in a large community health center network, adult Latinos who preferred English had lower hazards of hepatitis C virus screening than non-Hispanic Whites, whereas Latinos who preferred Spanish had hazards of screening similar to those of non-Hispanic Whites. The overall prevalence of hepatitis C virus screening was low. Further work on the role of language preference in hepatitis C virus screening is needed to better equip primary care providers to provide this recommended preventive service in culturally relevant ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L. Chan
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- OCHIN, Inc., Portland, Oregon
- Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon
| | - David Ezekiel-Herrera
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Steffani R. Bailey
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Miguel Marino
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jennifer A. Lucas
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Erika Cottrell
- OCHIN, Inc., Portland, Oregon
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Joe Carroll
- Open Door Community Health Center, McKinleyville, California
| | - John Heintzman
- OCHIN, Inc., Portland, Oregon
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Alventosa Mateu C, Ocete Mochón MD, Urquijo Ponce JJ, Latorre Sánchez M, Castelló Miralles I, García Deltoro M, Ortega González E, Bonet Igual MJ, Gimeno Cardona C, Diago Madrid M. Outcomes of an automated alert system from Microbiology to link diagnosis to treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2023; 115:181-187. [PMID: 36043540 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2022.8716/2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION simplification strategies for the care circuit of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are key to achieve eradication. An electronic identification system was set up for HCV serology to link diagnosis to specialist management, aimed to reduce patient loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS a retrospective, single-center study was performed in patients with HCV identified from 15/3/2020 to 15/12/2021, using an alert system from Microbiology that notified specialists of positive cases. The patient was contacted and appointed a Fibroscan® and viral load measurement, with antiviral therapy prescribed on the same day. Origin, public health data, patient location rate and antiviral therapy prescription were recorded. RESULTS of 174 patients identified, 171 had positive viremia, with a mean age of 59.6 ± 15.9 years, 61.5 % were males and 81.2 % were Spanish nationals. Origin in the outpatient setting predominated (57.9 %, 99/171), particularly Primary Care (51/171), penitentiaries (21/171) and addiction units (14/171). Overall, 43.3 % (74/171) were aware of their diagnosis; 19.4 % (20/103) of patients had F3 fibrosis and 25.2 % (26/103) had F4 fibrosis. Also, 78.4 % (134/171) were deemed candidates for treatment. Of these, 74.6 % (100/134) were located and treatment was initiated, and all those who completed their treatment achieved a sustained viral response (96/96). This system managed 58.5 % (100/171) of the patients identified. The only association found between antiviral therapy and patient variables was comorbidities with being untreated (OR, 7.14; p ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS this alert system allows to minimize patient loss in the care circuit and provides high rates of treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Enrique Ortega González
- Fundación del Hospital General Valencia, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia
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Hale AJ, Lidofsky SD. A Vermont Statewide Educational Intervention to Improve Access to Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in a Rural State. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2023; 10:23821205231184362. [PMID: 37378042 PMCID: PMC10291854 DOI: 10.1177/23821205231184362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Improved knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, linkage to care, and treatment is needed among nonspecialist medical professionals to combat the HCV epidemic. The authors sought to implement and analyze the impact of an HCV curriculum for primary care professionals (PCPs) across the state of Vermont, USA. METHODS This investigation was a retrospective analysis of uptake of a Vermont HCV educational curriculum and its impact on HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) prescribing rates within the state before and after the study period. The curriculum was delivered online and in-person over 2 years from 2019 to 2020. The primary outcome was health care professional performance on a pre- and post-curriculum short-term knowledge assessment exam. The secondary outcome was assessing the number of unique healthcare professionals within a single payor database prescribing DAA treatment for HCV in Vermont before and after the study intervention, from January 1, 2017 until December 1, 2021. RESULTS There were 31 unique respondents on the pre- and post-intervention examinations, which represented 9% of known participants. Respondents included physicians (n = 15), nurse practitioners (n = 8), and nurses (n = 8). Pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores increased significantly across all provider groups, from 3.2 (SD 0.6) to 4.5 (SD 0.4) 1 to 5 scale (P = .01). The total number of unique HCV DAA therapy prescribers decreased over the study period, from 17 in 2017 to 9 in 2021. CONCLUSIONS A Vermont statewide HCV curriculum for PCPs was successful at increasing short-term HCV-related knowledge. However, this did not obviously translate to an increase in new professionals treating HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Hale
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Steven D. Lidofsky
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
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9
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Herren OM, Gillman AS, Marshall VJ, Das R. Understanding the Changing Landscape of Health Disparities in Chronic Liver Diseases and Liver Cancer. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:505-520. [PMID: 37347072 PMCID: PMC10281758 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease and liver cancer disparities in the U.S. are reflective of complex multiple determinants of health. This review describes the disproportionate burden of liver disease and liver cancer among racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority, rural, low socioeconomic status (SES) populations, and place-based contexts. The contributions of traditional and lifestyle-related risk factors (e.g., alcohol consumption, evitable toxin exposure, nutrition quality) and comorbid conditions (e.g., viral hepatitis, obesity, type II diabetes) to disparities is also explored. Biopsychosocial mechanisms defining the physiological consequences of inequities underlying these health disparities, including inflammation, allostatic load, genetics, epigenetics, and social epigenomics are described. Guided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) framework, integrative research of unexplored social and biological mechanisms of health disparities, appropriate methods and measures for early screening, diagnosis, assessment, and strategies for timely treatment and maintaining multidisciplinary care should be actively pursued. We review emerging research on adverse social determinants of liver health, such as structural racism, discrimination, stigma, SES, rising care-related costs, food insecurity, healthcare access, health literacy, and environmental exposures to pollutants. Limited research on protective factors of liver health is also described. Research from effective, multilevel, community-based interventions indicate a need for further intervention efforts that target both risk and protective factors to address health disparities. Policy-level impacts are also needed to reduce disparities. These insights are important, as the social contexts and inequities that influence determinants of liver disease/cancer have been worsened by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and are forecasted to amplify disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M. Herren
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Arielle S. Gillman
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Vanessa J. Marshall
- Office of the Director National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), Bethesda, MD
| | - Rina Das
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
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10
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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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Halket D, Dang J, Phadke A, Jayasekera C, Kim WR, Kwo P, Downing L, Goel A. Targeted Electronic Patient Portal Messaging Increases Hepatitis C Virus Screening in Primary Care: a Randomized Study. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3318-3324. [PMID: 35230622 PMCID: PMC9551157 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Electronic health record (EHR) tools such as direct-to-patient messaging and automated lab orders are effective at improving uptake of preventive health measures. It is unknown if patient engagement in primary care impacts efficacy of such messaging. OBJECTIVE To determine whether more engaged patients, defined as those who have an upcoming visit scheduled, are more likely to respond to a direct-to-patient message with an automated lab order for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening. DESIGN Randomized trial PARTICIPANTS: One thousand six hundred randomly selected Stanford Primary Care patients, 800 with an upcoming visit within 6 months and 800 without, born between 1945 and 1965 who were due for HCV screening. Each group was randomly divided into cohorts of 400 subjects each. Subjects were followed for 1 year. INTERVENTION One 400 subject cohort in each group received a direct-to-patient message through the EHR portal with HCV antibody lab order. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE The EHR was queried on a monthly basis for 6 months after the intervention to monitor which subjects completed HCV screening. For any subjects screened positive for HCV, follow-up through the cascade of HCV care was monitored, and if needed, scheduled by the study team. KEY RESULTS Of 1600 subjects, 538 (34%) completed HCV screening. In the stratum without an upcoming appointment, 18% in the control group completed screening compared to 26% in intervention group (p<0.01). Similarly, in the stratum with an upcoming appointment, 34% in the control group completed screening compared to 58% in the intervention group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Direct-to-patient messaging coupled with automated lab orders improved HCV screening rates compared to standard of care, particularly in more engaged patients. Including this intervention in primary care can maximize screening with each visit, which is particularly valuable in times when physical throughput in the healthcare system may be low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Halket
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Jimmy Dang
- Population Health, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anuradha Phadke
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - W Ray Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Paul Kwo
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Lance Downing
- Department of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aparna Goel
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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12
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Ramani A, Tapper EB, Griffin C, Shankar N, Parikh ND, Asrani SK. Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Related Mortality in the USA, 1999-2018. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:4100-4111. [PMID: 35288828 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07433-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing, and certain groups may be at higher risk. METHODS We analyzed trends in HCC-related mortality in the USA (1999-2018) using national death data. Age-adjusted trends in death rates (annual percentage change, APC) were calculated using joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS HCC-related death rates increased by 2.1% (95% CI 1.9 to 2.3) annually. Hepatitis C (HCV)-related HCC death rates increased from 1999 to 2012 (8.9%, 95% CI 7.6 to 10.2) followed by a -1.3% (95% CI -3.5 to 0.9) decrease annually. For adults > 65 years, HCV-related HCC death rates increased (7.3% annually, 95% CI 6.5 to 8.1), especially for rural areas (11.1% annually, 95% CI 6.9 to 15.5) with high rates among African-Americans and Hispanics. Increases in non-HCV-related HCC death rates were larger: 13.5% annually (95% CI 3.6 to 24.3, 2005-2010) followed by 4.2% annually (95% CI 2.3 to 6.2, 2010-2018). Annual rates of increase were similar for men (6.8%, 95% CI 5.9 to 7.8) and women (7.0%, 95% CI 5.5 to 8.4) from 1999 to 2018. Rate of increase across races was Whites 8.3% (95% CI 7.2 to 9.4, 1999-2018), African-Americans 11.2% (95% CI -6.6 to 32.3, 2015-2018), and Hispanics 3.7% (95% CI 1.0 to 6.5, 2012-2018). CONCLUSION HCC-related mortality has increased, driven by increases in non-HCV-related mortality with important demographic and regional trends. In addition, HCV-HCC mortality remains high particularly in older persons and those in rural areas despite advances in HCV therapy. These data underscore the need for targeted approaches to mitigate the burden of HCC-related mortality similar to efforts for other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azaan Ramani
- Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, 3410 Worth Street, Suite 860, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Michigan, MI, USA.,Gastroenterology Section, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Connor Griffin
- Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, 3410 Worth Street, Suite 860, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Nagasri Shankar
- Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, 3410 Worth Street, Suite 860, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Sumeet K Asrani
- Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, 3410 Worth Street, Suite 860, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA.
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13
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Burton HJ, Khatiwada A, Chung D, Meissner EG. Association of Referral Source and Substance Use with Hepatitis C Virus Outcomes at a Southern Academic Medical Center. South Med J 2022; 115:352-357. [PMID: 35649518 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Therapeutic advances make the cure of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection achievable for individuals aware of their diagnosis who can access care. Identifying barriers to accessing care is critical to achieve population-level HCV elimination and improve the cascade of care from diagnosis to cure. METHODS To identify barriers to HCV care, we performed a retrospective observational analysis of outcomes for patients with chronic HCV referred to an infectious diseases clinic at an academic medical center in Charleston, South Carolina between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2020. We categorized outcomes in the cascade of care between "never presenting for evaluation" and "completed treatment with documented cure." Patient demographic factors, referral source, ZIP code of residence, insurance status, clinical characteristics, antiviral regimen, psychiatric and substance use history, and route of infection were assessed for associations with care outcomes. RESULTS Of 407 referrals, 32% of patients never presented for an initial evaluation, an outcome that was associated with active substance use, mental health disease, and referral from an emergency department or obstetrics-gynecology provider. Of the patients who presented for an initial evaluation, 78% of patients initiated treatment. Active substance use was the only variable associated with lack of therapy initiation after presenting for an initial evaluation (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.07-5.84). Once treatment had been initiated, no clinical or demographic variables were associated with odds of achieving documented or presumed HCV cure. CONCLUSIONS Active substance use, mental health disease, and referral from an emergency department or obstetrics-gynecology provider were associated with a lower odds of presenting for evaluation and initiation of HCV treatment. Innovative models to improve access to care and increase outreach to vulnerable populations will be essential to eliminate HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jensie Burton
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, the Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, and the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Aastha Khatiwada
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, the Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, and the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Dongjun Chung
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, the Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, and the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Eric G Meissner
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, the Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, and the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University, Columbus
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14
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Cunningham EB, Wheeler A, Hajarizadeh B, French CE, Roche R, Marshall AD, Fontaine G, Conway A, Valencia BM, Bajis S, Presseau J, Ward JW, Degenhardt L, Dore GJ, Hickman M, Vickerman P, Grebely J. Interventions to enhance testing, linkage to care, and treatment initiation for hepatitis C virus infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:426-445. [PMID: 35303490 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the goal set by WHO to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat, uptake of HCV testing and treatment remains low. To achieve this target, evidence-based interventions are needed to address the barriers to care for people with, or at risk of, HCV infection. We aimed to assess the efficacy of interventions to improve HCV antibody testing, HCV RNA testing, linkage to HCV care, and treatment initiation. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO without language restrictions for reports published between database inception and July 21, 2020, assessing the following primary outcomes: HCV antibody testing; HCV RNA testing; linkage to HCV care; and direct-acting antiviral treatment initiation. We also searched key conference abstracts. We included randomised and non-randomised studies assessing non-pharmaceutical interventions that included a comparator or control group. Studies were excluded if they enrolled only paediatric populations (aged <18 years) or if they conducted the intervention in a different health-care setting to that of the control or comparator. Authors were contacted to clarify study details and to obtain additional population-level data. Data were extracted from the records identified into a pre-piloted and standardised data extraction form and a random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the effects of the interventions on study outcomes. This study is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42020178035. FINDINGS Of 15 342 unique records identified, 142 were included, which reported on 148 unique studies (47 randomised controlled trials and 101 non-randomised studies). Medical chart reminders, provider education, and point-of-care antibody testing significantly improved at least three study outcomes compared with a comparator or control. Interventions that simplified HCV testing, including dried blood spot testing, point-of-care antibody testing, reflex RNA testing, and opt-out screening, significantly improved testing outcomes compared with a comparator or control. Enhanced patient and provider support through patient education, provider care coordination, and provider education also significantly improved testing outcomes compared with a comparator or control. Integrated care and patient navigation or care coordination significantly improved linkage to care and the uptake of direct-acting antiviral treatment compared with a comparator or control. INTERPRETATION Several interventions to improve HCV care that address several key barriers to HCV care were identified. New models of HCV care must be designed and implemented to address the barriers faced by the population of interest. Further high-quality research, including rigorously designed randomised studies, is still needed in key populations. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Wheeler
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Clare E French
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Roche
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England Colindale, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL, National Institute for Health Research, London, UK
| | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guillaume Fontaine
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Presseau
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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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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16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Underdiagnosis of HCV infection may hinder the obtainment of 2030 elimination goal. OBJECTIVE To estimate the pre-DAA HCV diagnosis rate to inform future public health effort. METHODS Data were obtained from three nationwide databases (Truven Health MarketScan Research Database 2007-2014, US Census Bureau 2012-2016 and NHANES 2007-2014). HCV diagnosis was defined with either one inpatient or two outpatient HCV International Classification of Disease 9 codes, providing the number of patients with diagnosed HCV (Truven). US Census Bureau data were used for age- and sex-standardization. We derived the total (diagnosed and undiagnosed) HCV infection using the NHANES database. To determine the rate and number of undiagnosed HCV, we subtracted diagnosed HCV burden (Truven) from the total HCV burden (NHANES). RESULTS Of the 198 073 302 privately insured Americans, 1.49% (2 951 490 persons) had HCV infection. However, only 362 672 (12.29%) persons were diagnosed with HCV, leaving 2 588 818 (87.71%) undiagnosed. About two-third (68.04%) and one-third (33.04%) of diagnosed HCV patients had HCV RNA or genotype tests overall, with even lower rates for the ≥65 age group, respectively. CONCLUSION In the pre-DAA era, only 12% of insured Americans with HCV were diagnosed. While this grim statistic is expected to rise, much more effort is needed to enhance the HCV care cascade.
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17
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Scott J, Fagalde M, Baer A, Glick S, Barash E, Armstrong H, Kowdley KV, Golden MR, Millman AJ, Nelson NP, Canary L, Messerschmidt M, Patel P, Ninburg M, Duchin J. A Population-Based Intervention to Improve Care Cascades of Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:387-399. [PMID: 33681674 PMCID: PMC7917269 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in the United States and leads to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. Simplified screening recommendations and highly effective direct-acting antivirals for HCV present an opportunity to eliminate HCV. The objective of this study was to increase testing, linkage to care, treatment, and cure of HCV. This was an observational, prospective, population-based intervention program carried out between September 2014 and September 2018 and performed in three community health centers, three large multiclinic health care systems, and an HCV patient education and advocacy group in King County, WA. There were 232,214 patients included based on criteria of documented HCV-related diagnosis code, positive HCV laboratory test or prescription of HCV medication, and seen at least once at a participating clinical site in the prior year. Electronic health record (EHR) prompts and reports were created. Case management linked patients to care. Primary care providers received training through classroom didactics, an online curriculum, specialty clinic shadowing, and a telemedicine program. The proportion of baby boomer patients with documentation of HCV testing increased from 18% to 54% during the project period. Of 77,577 baby boomer patients screened at 87 partner clinics, 2,401 (3%) were newly identified HCV antibody positive. The number of patients staged for treatment increased by 391%, and those treated increased by 1,263%. Among the 79% of patients tested after treatment, 95% achieved sustained virologic response. Conclusion: A combination of EHR-based health care system interventions, active linkage to care, and clinician training contributed to a tripling in the number of patients screened and a more than 10-fold increase of those treated. The interventions are scalable and foundational to the goal of HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Scott
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | | | - Atar Baer
- Public Health – Seattle King CountySeattleWAUSA
| | - Sara Glick
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Public Health – Seattle King CountySeattleWAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew R. Golden
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Public Health – Seattle King CountySeattleWAUSA
| | - Alexander J. Millman
- Division of Viral HepatitisNational Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB PreventionCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Noele P. Nelson
- Division of Viral HepatitisNational Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB PreventionCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Lauren Canary
- Division of Viral HepatitisNational Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB PreventionCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Jeff Duchin
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Public Health – Seattle King CountySeattleWAUSA
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18
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Del Pino Bellido P, Guerra Veloz MF, Cordero Ruíz P, Bellido Muñoz F, Vega Rodriguez F, Caunedo Álvarez Á, Carmona Soria I. CHRONIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS LOST IN THE SYSTEM: PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF NON-REFERRAL OR LOSS OF FOLLOW UP TO HEPATOLOGY UNITS. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2021; 113:833-839. [PMID: 33393328 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2020.7573/2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several barriers remain in the hepatitis C care cascade, which need to be removed in order to eliminate Chronic Hepatitis C. These barriers include deficiencies in screening and confirmatory diagnosis as well as difficulties in accessing treatment. AIMS To identify factors associated with the non-referral of patients with positive HCV-antibody and to identify factors associated with loss of follow-up or non-attendance of these patients to specialist consultation after their referral. METHODS Observational and retrospective single-centre-study, including all positive HCV serologies performed between January 2013 and May 2018 in the Virgen Macarena health area before implementing the one-step diagnosis. Non-referred patients and patients who were lost to follow-up after being referred were identified. RESULTS A total of 54 (77.4%) patients diagnosed in PC and 54 (22.2%) from hospital specialists were not referred (p <0.001). Predictors for non-referral were: stay in prison/ institutionalized (p = 0.04), suffering COPD (p = 0.07), a normal AST value (p = 0.034) or test requested by PCP (p = 0.004). Patients referred from PC were more likely to be lost to follow-up than those referred from hospital specialists (p <0.001). Predictors for loss of follow-up included: opioid replacement therapy (p = 0.034), absence of high blood pressure (p = 0.039) and test requested by PCP (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS A high percentage of patients with positive HCV serology were not referred or lost follow-up, mainly those belonging to high risk social groups or those with associated comorbidities. Patients with average values of transaminases or those diagnosed in primary care were also less referred.
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19
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Huang CF, Wu PF, Yeh ML, Huang CI, Liang PC, Hsu CT, Hsu PY, Liu HY, Huang YC, Lin ZY, Chen SC, Huang JF, Dai CY, Chuang WL, Yu ML. Scaling up the in-hospital hepatitis C virus care cascade in Taiwan. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 27:136-143. [PMID: 33317253 PMCID: PMC7820217 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Obstacles exist in facilitating hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascade. To increase timely and accurate diagnosis, disease awareness and accessibility, in-hospital HCV reflex testing followed by automatic appointments and a late call-back strategy (R.N.A. model) was applied. We aimed to compare the HCV treatment rate of patients treated with this strategy compared to those without. METHODS One hundred and twenty-five anti-HCV seropositive patients who adopted the R.N.A. model in 2020 and another 1,396 controls treated in 2019 were enrolled to compare the gaps in accurate HCV RNA diagnosis to final treatment allocation. RESULTS The HCV RNA testing rate was significantly higher in patients who received reflex testing than in those without reflex testing (100% vs. 84.8%, P<0.001). When patients were stratified according to the referring outpatient department, a significant improvement in the HCV RNA testing rate was particularly noted in patients from non-hepatology departments (100% vs. 23.3%, P<0.001). The treatment rate in HCV RNA seropositive patients was 83% (83/100) after the adoption of the R.N.A. model, among whom 96.1% and 73.9% of patients were from the hepatology and non-hepatology departments, respectively. Compared to subjects without R.N.A. model application, a significant improvement in the treatment rate was observed for patients from non-hepatology departments (73.9% vs. 27.8%, P=0.001). The application of the R.N.A. model significantly increased the in-hospital HCV treatment uptake from 6.4% to 73.9% for patients from non-hepatology departments (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The care cascade increased the treatment uptake and set up a model for enhancing in-hospital HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pey-Fang Wu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Liang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ting Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yao Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yin Liu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chou Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Cherng Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
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20
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Blanding DP, Moran WP, Bian J, Zhang J, Marsden J, Mauldin PD, Rockey DC, Schreiner AD. Linkage to specialty care in the hepatitis C care cascade. J Investig Med 2020; 69:324-332. [PMID: 33203787 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2020-001521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Quality gaps exist in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) care process from diagnosis to cure. To better understand current gaps and to identify targets for quality improvement, we constructed an HCV care cascade in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) with an emphasis on the specialty referral process. We performed a retrospective study of HCV-infected patients in a PCMH using electronic health record (EPIC) data. Patients with a first positive HCV RNA between 2012 and 2019 were included. With an adaptation to analyze linkage to specialty care, we created an HCV care cascade that included the following: (1) a positive HCV RNA, (2) referral to a specialty provider, (3) a scheduled specialty appointment, (4) attendance at a specialty visit, (5) prescription for HCV therapy, and (6) evidence of sustained virological response (SVR). Patient and referring clinician characteristics were analyzed at each step of the care pathway, and the proportion of patients completing each step was calculated. Of the 256 HCV RNA-positive patients, 229 (89.5%) received a specialty referral; 215 (84.0%) had an appointment scheduled; 178 (69.5%) attended the specialty appointment; 116 (45.3%) were prescribed antiviral therapy; and 87 (34.1%) had documented SVR during the study period. Of the 178 patients attending a specialty visit, 62 (34.8%) did not receive a prescription, and the barrier most often noted was the desire for further workup (40.3%). Gaps occur at all stages of the HCV care continuum, with drop-offs in care occurring both before and after linkage to specialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena P Blanding
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - John Bian
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Coppock D, Chou E, Gracely E, Gross R, Heun-Lee D. Hepatitis C antibody screening and determinants of initial and duplicate screening in the baby boomer patients of six urban primary care clinics. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235778. [PMID: 32645083 PMCID: PMC7347094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated guidelines recommending universal, one-time hepatitis C virus screening for all individuals born between 1945 and 1965. Prior to the implementation of these guidelines, testing rates were inappropriately low, but unnecessary duplicate antibody testing was also problematic. In the era of increased efforts to screen "baby boomers", the prevalence and social determinants of initial and duplicate hepatitis C testing have not been well described. METHODS A hepatitis C screening program was implemented at six urban primary care clinics affiliated with Drexel University College of Medicine. Data was collected regarding the screening patterns in these clinics. Annual screening rates for the program were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association of demographic variables and the outcomes of subjects having ever been tested and subjects having received duplicate testing. RESULTS Following the implementation of the program, the screening rate increased from 16% in the first year of analysis to 82% in the final year of analysis. Of the 6,717 patients screened, 1,207 had duplicate testing, of which 14% had inappropriate duplicate antibody screening. African Americans and Asian patients had a higher odds of being screened. Patients with public insurance had a higher odds of duplicate screening. CONCLUSIONS In the setting of an aggressive hepatitis C screening program, high testing rates may be attained in a target population. However, inappropriate duplicate antibody testing rates may be high, which may be a burden in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagan Coppock
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Edgar Chou
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward Gracely
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Robert Gross
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dong Heun-Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Tsay CJ, Lim JK. Assessing the Effectiveness of Strategies in US Birth Cohort Screening for Hepatitis C Infection. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2020; 8:25-41. [PMID: 32274343 PMCID: PMC7132023 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2019.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C infection in the USA is a highly morbid condition and current guidelines recommend one-time screening among the birth cohort (1945-1965). Understanding strategies to optimize screening can help inform future hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening guidelines. A focused literature search was performed using PubMed and manual abstract review from major hepatology conferences over the past 2 years. The search strategy involved using Medical Subject Headings terms for hepatitis C, screening, birth cohort, baby boomers, and 1945-1965. The review was limited to data from the USA. A total of 327 articles were identified and 36 abstracts were included, with studies published between 2012-2019. Strategies including clinician education, electronic medical record alerts, reflex HCV RNA testing, point-of-care testing, multisite (outpatient, inpatient, emergency department, endoscopy suite) initiatives, direct patient solicitation, and utilization of non-physician providers have increased HCV screening rates. However, broad implementation remains less than optimal. Barriers include lack of patient acceptance to screening and engagement in the HCV care cascade. The Veterans Affairs Healthcare System has achieved higher birth cohort screening rates through an integrated approach requiring high-level engagement by leadership and institutional commitment. Multiple strategies for increasing birth cohort screening have been successful, but overall rates of HCV screening remain low. These strategies can inform public health efforts to implement emerging national recommendations for expansion of HCV screening to all U.S. adults age 18 or older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia J. Tsay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph K. Lim
- Yale Liver Center, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Xu S, Zhang W, Wang Q, Cui J, Yan W, Xie H, Ni A. Hepatitis B virus serological screen in a general hospital in Beijing from 2008 to 2018, and challenges to our vaccination policy. Vaccine X 2020; 4:100057. [PMID: 32123866 PMCID: PMC7038442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2020.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a worldwide distribution and remains a leading public health problem in China. Method Automated chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay was used to test all five markers of HBV serology in serum samples among 696,048 patients, pregnant women, and normal subjects in Beijing from 2008 to 2018. Results The overall prevalence of subjects categorized as previous/ occult HBV infection, inactive HBsAg carrier, active HBV infection, HBsAg, HBV susceptible, and immune via vaccination was 29.4%, 4.8%, 1.4%, 6.4%, 33.9% and 30.3%, respectively; men had a significantly higher prevalence of HBV infection than women. The prevalence of HBsAg was around 0.5% in subjects ≤ 10 years of age, increased dramatically to 3.7% in subjects between 11 and 20 years of age, reached the highest level of 7.9% in subjects between 41 and 50 years of age, and finally decreased to 2.8% in subjects ≥ 81 years of age. During the 10 years from 2008 to 2018, the prevalence of HBsAg was stabilized at about 6.0%, and indicators of HBV susceptibility, previous/ occult HBV infection, and immunity via vaccination were not further improved, despite the constant implementation of HBV vaccination since 1992. All four age groups (21 − 30y, 31 − 40y, 41 − 50y and 51 − 60y) of the normal adult population were found to have a significantly lower prevalence of HBsAg and HBV susceptibility but significantly higher prevalence of immunity via vaccination compared with corresponding age groups of the sub-total population. Conclusions Although high coverage has been established among infants and young children, their vaccination alone could not reduce HBV infection in the adult Chinese population quickly. Adult populations with more vaccinated individuals are found to have fewer individuals with HBsAg. Vaccination in adults or at least in high-risk adults is an urgent need to decrease horizontal HBV transmission in China.
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