Theme: Models of Care Year: 2022
Background:
People who use drugs (PUD), have a high prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Some Out-patient
Drug Treatment Centres (CAS) in Catalonia are located far from hospitals and provide only HCV
antibody rapid tests, which hinders referral pathways to treatment, with a high loss of follow-up.
Therefore, a Mobile Unit (MU) has been deployed in 5 CAS in a county of Catalonia (Baix Llobregat),
with the aim to screen and treat patients at the CAS, saving steps in the care process.
Description of model of care/intervention:
The MU with a nurse, a social educator and volunteers stops in front of each CAS, offering point-ofcare tests for HCV (antibodies and RNA by GenXpert), HIV Ab and HBsAg and a portable Fibroscan to
assess liver fibrosis. Results are shared with the CAS which adds other medical information and
sends it to the corresponding hepatology services. Treatment is delivered to the CAS and dispensed
to PUD. Most people start antiviral treatment before further specialist assessment, including people
with F3-F4, who are then referred to the specialist for echography and follow-up. Volunteers can
accompany patients.
Effectiveness:
322 people were screened from June 2021 to January 2022. Of those, 161 people (50%) were recruited
at the CAS premises without prior appointment with the MU. So far, 116 (36%) were HCV antibody
positive and 35 (11%) RNA positive. From those, 23 patients (66%) have initiated treatment, 15 (43%)
have finished treatment and 1 have had an SVR (sustained virologic response). From those who
initiated treatment, 4 patients were F3-F4 and were referred to the hepatologist.
(*) These data will be updated at the Conference time.
Conclusion and next steps:
The two key strategies to eliminate HCV infection in drug users community is the development and
implementation of active screening and fast treatment initiation at point of care.
Disclosure of Interest Statement: See example below:
Red Cross, Catalonia, Spain has received funding from Abbvie.