Theme: Models of Care Year: 2021
Background: WV has an extraordinary HCV burden stemming from injection opioids. While WV Medicaid requires that primary care providers (PCPs) treat HCV under specialist guidance, few specialists are available especially in rural areas. Due to long wait times, lack of public transportation and pervasive stigma against people who inject drugs (PWID), it is difficult to access direct-acting antivirals necessary for elimination. Description of model of care/intervention: The WV Hepatitis Academic Mentoring Partnership (WVHAMP) provides intensive training and ongoing guidance to PCPs in underserved rural areas, permitting patients to be seen locally by providers they know and trust. We adopted the Kentucky model (KHAMP), expanding it to include a web-based database, outcome data and monthly case discussions. WVHAMP is supported by the WV Rural Health Association, in partnership with the WV Bureau for Public Health and WV Medicaid. Web-based training consists of an initial 8-hour session followed by a 4-hour session 6 months later. Monthly evening webinars provide case discussions. PCPs enter core metrics into an internet-accessible, secure REDCap registry. Faculty review the data and approve the requested regimen or request additional information. Turnaround time is
Download abstract Watch video