26 June 2025
We’re pleased to launch our first Research Capsule Summary—a new way to share high-impact research from the INHSU network in clear, practical formats you can use in the real world. These bite-sized summaries are designed to make evidence easy to understand, easy to share, and ready for use in clinical settings, advocacy, presentations, and beyond.
Capsule #1: Peer-Led Telehealth for Hepatitis C in Rural Oregon
Our first summary features a randomised controlled trial led by Dr. Andrew Seaman, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. The study tested a peer-assisted telemedicine model for hepatitis C treatment among people who use drugs in rural Oregon.
Peers supported participants throughout the process—helping with insurance, appointment attendance, medication access, and links to services like housing.
Telehealth appointments were available same-day, and peers acted as trusted connectors between participants and the clinical team.
The results were dramatic:
- 85% initiated treatment (vs 13% in usual care)
- 63% were cured (vs 16%)
- 46% completed treatment (vs 9%)
This model shows how peer support and flexible, telehealth-driven care can overcome longstanding barriers to hepatitis C treatment in rural and underserved settings.
Download the Research Capsule Summary:
PPT Slide – ideal for presentations
PDF Graphic – perfect for sharing or printing
This research shows the power of peer support and flexible telehealth models to break down barriers and improve hepatitis C outcomes—especially in rural and underserved communities.
More capsule summaries are on the way.
Additional resources
Interview with Joanna Cooper, a peer researcher involved in the Peer-Assisted Telemedicine study (TeleHep C).
We sat down with Joanna to discuss what it was like to be involved in project and to gather insights and advice for researchers looking to meaningfully involves peers in their studies.
Dr. Andrew Seaman presenting at INHSU conference
Dr. Andrew Seaman first presented the research from our first Research Capsule Summary at INHSU 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. Skip to the final chapter (1:18:00) on the video below to re-watch the presentation.
