Changes in housing stability and treatment for opioid use disorder during hepatitis C treatment at a harm reduction program


Author: Daniel Winetsky, Daniel Burack, Pantelis Antoniou, Bill Garcia, Peter Gordon, Matthew Scherer

Theme: Models of Care Year: 2019

Abstract
Background:
Prior studies have shown improvement in functional status and reduction in risk behavior among people
who use drugs (PWUD) while undergoing treatment for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Colocating HCV treatment within with a harm reduction organization has shown promise as a model for
delivering HCV treatment services to active PWUD and may also therefore enhance engagement of
PWUD in other harm reduction services.
Methods:
The Comprehensive Hepatitis Care on the Corner (CHOC) program co-locates HCV screening, evaluation
and treatment services within Washington Heights Corner Project (WHCP), a harm reduction
organization based in northern Manhattan, New York. We performed a retrospective chart review of all
CHOC patients undergoing HCV treatment to evaluate changes in housing status and treatment of opioid
use disorder (OUD) during the course of therapy.
Results:
From December 2015 through December 2017, 37 patients completed HCV treatment in the CHOC
program. Out of 13 patients who were street homeless at the time of intake, 5 (38.4%) transitioned to
more stable housing by the end of treatment. An additional two patients enrolled in residential
treatment programs. Out of 22 patients completing therapy who had active opioid use at the time of
intake, 13 (59%) engaged in OUD treatment during therapy, 10 of whom remained in treatment upon
completion of HCV therapy.
Conclusions:
In this preliminary retrospective analysis of patients undergoing HCV treatment at a harm reduction
organization, a substantial portion of those completing therapy had improved housing stability and/or
increased engagement in OUD treatment at the end of HCV therapy. Co-located HCV treatment may
facilitate engagement of highly vulnerable PWUD in other harm reduction services.

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