Theme: Models of Care Year: 2021
Background: Delivering HCV in large rural area such as Dorset was a significant challenge and resource intensive, with around 150 RNA+ patients not accessing HCV treatment and many more needing testing. Working in partnership across services and disciplines, the initiative sought to engage people into treatment and increase access to screening using point of care testing. ‘Pop-Up’ community testing clinics offered new HCV screening pathways into services not already carrying out testing. Covid changed initial plans but we quickly adapted Description of model of care/intervention: We identified venues and pooled resources to enable community Pop-Up HCV testing clinics across Dorset targeting people at risk of infection and those living with untreated HCV. In addition, we rolled-out new treatment pathways enabling projects who are in contact with people at risk of HCV to offer point of care screening. Each organisation was used effectively for their strengths, we fully utilised peers, housing and homeless health. Pan-genotypic drugs were used to ensure treatment started promptly. Strong partnerships ensured we could agree our joint approach including training and providing ongoing mutual support. We were able to study early findings and act quickly to disseminate them within the partnership, including the need for assertive outreach, linkage to care, and peer support follow up. Effectiveness: In total 20 lockdown, Pop-up clinics were delivered in the community over 4.5 months. These ran across Dorset in hotels where homeless had been housed, supported housing hostels, church halls / car parks and on the clinical van. Engaged 222 individuals (patient contacts 247) Treated 74 patients directly from these clinics Conclusion and next steps: This approach saw 14 organisations working in partnerships, making the most of opportunities presented by lockdown with a highly effective engagement, retention and aftercare process. The model was so effective it is now being carried on. Disclosure of Interest Statement: This project has been supported through an Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) ‘Joint Working’ initiative between Gilead Sciences Ltd. and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
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