Theme: Models of Care Year: 2022
Background:
A model of home testing was developed and trialed in an alcohol and drug service in Lanarkshire.
Although there were 3 out of 50 people who had new infections identified there was a very
significant percentage of inadequate samples returned, even though the tests were incentivized and
education materials developed. Staff were subsequently required to support many of those who
returned a successfully completed test.
Description of model of care/intervention:
An incentivized self-test model of BBV DBST was delivered in the Cambuslang district amongst
people attending a drug treatment service. A three pronged study was subsequently developed,
based on the learning from the initial study, to test a variety of approaches to ascertain the most
successful model of approach to successfully transfer knowledge, and hence successful completion
of testing, to service users.
Effectiveness:
First phase
21/51 self-tests were insufficient samples, 105 supported tests
45 tests had HCV Ab detected, indicating previous exposure or treated for HCV
• 9/45 tests detected HCV PCR
o 3 were known infections; 4 are new infections; 2 are re-infections.
Second phase about to begin with results in 4 months.
Conclusion and next steps:
Aim of the study is to find a method of education that will allow service users to be able to regularly
self-test for BBV rather than have staff supporting the process, engaging service users more in their
own care.
Disclosure of Interest Statement:
Nothing to declare from any study participants.