Theme: Models of Care Year: 2024
Background: River Stone Recovery Centre (RSRC) has been instrumental in transforming their province’s directives with Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) reimbursement, joining forces with an advocacy group aimed at eliminating hepatitis, and reducing delays for hard-to-reach populations in accessing HCV treatment. A key strategy in the successful approach has been the adoption of Dried Blood Spot Testing (DBST). DBST stands out as a critical innovation in healthcare, reshaping the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Its significance is especially notable in the push for HCV eradication and the continuation of care following treatment.
Description of Intervention: Implementing DBS testing, which requires just a single finger prick for screening STBBIs, has improved the propensity for healthcare engagement. This initiative, led by a dedicated LPN & NP in Fredericton, targets hepatitis C elimination among people who inject drugs (PWID). Furthermore, it includes educational outreach to nursing students and rural First Nations communities, fostering a model of healthcare that encourages active participation and empowerment over external dictation.
Effectiveness: DBS testing has proven effective in breaking down healthcare access barriers for marginalized populations by offering a convenient and non-invasive testing method. It has facilitated the identification of HCV infections and streamlined the linkage to care, ensuring timely treatment. Moreover, in post-treatment scenarios, DBS testing plays a critical role in monitoring sustained virologic response (SVR), enhancing patient follow-up, and improving long-term outcomes.
Conclusion/Next Steps: DBS testing is crucial in the quest for HCV elimination and improving post-treatment healthcare. Its flexibility and user-friendliness make it a vital instrument in addressing health disparities and advancing public health goals. Looking ahead, expanding DBS testing to settings like prisons/jails could significantly lower HCV transmission risks and improve community health, integrating seamlessly with opiate agonist therapy (OAT) and harm reduction services for those discharged.
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