Theme: Models of Care Year: 2022
Background:
People who use drugs (PUD) have a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Access to
HCV diagnosis and treatment are often hampered by healthcare system procedures. Simplifying and
making more accessible procedures and pathways could help to increase diagnosis and treatment
uptake. The aim of this study was to protocolize activities and referral circuits between out-patient
drug treatment centers (CAS) and their referral hospitals to: implement as many screen and health
assessment actions as possible in the CAS premises and reduce the number of visits between
diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Description of model of care/intervention:
Steps implemented:
1) A framework protocol was drawn up by experts under guidelines of the Catalan Health Department.
2) One nurse from each CAS was trained to become the HCV coordinator.
3) This protocol was presented to regional health authorities and managers of CAS and hospitals of
each region.
4) The protocol was adjusted to each CAS with its referral hospital.
5) A monitoring system was designed.
Effectiveness:
So far, 38 protocols were formalized. Between diagnosis and antiviral treatment dispensation: 2
patient visits were necessary in 6 (15%) protocols, 3 in 22 (58%), 4 in 7 (18%) and 5 in 3 (8%). A mean
of 3,18 visits. In 8 (21%) protocols every intervention was done at the CAS premises. In 23 (60%)
protocols, screening is done in the CAS by venipuncture or point-of-care testing. In 9 (23%)
protocols, patients don’t have to go to hospital. In 16 (42%) protocols, only once, in 8 (21%), twice
and in 5 (13%), 3 times. The mean visits to hospital were 1,26.
Conclusion and next steps:
PUD, even active injectors, can be successfully treated if diagnosis and treatment is simplified and
accessible. Efforts should be intensified to reduce the number of clinical visits and locate them at
drug care centers.
Disclosure of Interest Statement:
Red Cross, Catalonia, Spain has received funding from Abbvie.