Theme: Models of Care Year: 2019
Background: The Springburn microelimination project seeks to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) in an area
of Glasgow with high rates of socioeconomic deprivation and problem drug use. It utilises point of
care (POC) testing to increase screening, alongside multidisciplinary assessment/initiation of
treatment, embedded in a community health centre. Phase 1 focuses on those in community alcohol
and drug treatment (CAT), phase 2 those previously diagnosed but lost to follow up (not in CAT
care) and phase 3 population screening using a home test kit offer.
Description of model of care/intervention: Patients attending Springburn CAT are offered POC
testing for HCV (Cepheid Genexpert) and HIV (Oraquick swab) with a view to achieving WHO targets
of 90% of patients knowing their HCV status, and 80% of patients with HCV initiated on to
treatment. Each clinic day is covered by a team member who can assess and initiate treatment: Drug
Service Doctor, Liver Nurse or Pharmacist. Non invasive assessment of fibrosis (FIB4 or Fibroscan),
simplified on/post treatment monitoring and pan-genotypic treatments minimise steps in the
treatment pathway.
Effectiveness: Baseline and interim results are summarised in the table below:
Baseline Interim (month 4) results
Total registered with CAT clinic 346 319
New 27
Deceased 7
Out of care 33
Moved care 14
Number ever tested (%) 300 (86.7) 295 (92.8%)
Tested within 12 months (%) 98 (28.3%) 181 (60.0%)
Last test HCV positive (%) 86 (25%) 66 (20.7%)
New diagnoses – 7
On/post treatment (%) 11 (12.8%) 60 (68%)
Conclusion and next steps: A combination of POC testing, simplified treatment algorithms and
multidisciplinary initiation of treatment leads to high uptake of testing and treatment in a
community drug treatment setting. Good progress towards elimination goals has been made in a
short period of time. The project is ongoing and updated results will be presented.
Disclosure of Interest Statement: See example below: This project was funded by a grant from
Abbvie. Dr S Barclay has received speakers fees, advisory board fees and grants from Abbvie and
Gilead. Ms F Marra has received speakers fees, advisory board fees and grants from Abbvie, Gilead
and Merck. Miss Boyle has received speakers fees and grants from Abbvie and Gilead.