The study aims to assess the impact of models of HCV care on HCV testing, treatment uptake and cure within Cairns. Point of care testing for HCV , with test and treat strategies will be offered within a primary care service.
Available testing and treatment data will be explored pre and post the intervention period of the project within Cairns Hinterland health services that provide hepatitis C care. Test and treat strategies of the project will include: Part A: Same day test and treat clinical trial. The study will explore a 'same day test and treat' model to determine the impact on HCV treatment initiation and cure within a primary care service that recognises that they see people at risk of hepatitis C that are transient, and struggle to return to a care provider to engage in hepatitis C testing and care. 1. HCV RNA point of care (POC) testing 2. Epclusa (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir 400mg/100mg) course initiated at same day of visit following a +ve HCV RNA result from the POC test. Part B: Refresher and clinic in reach support work Primary care service/ General practitioner education and training \~1 hour in-person training for all clinic staff on hepatitis C testing, treatment, retention in HCV care cascade. Part C: Services evaluation with incentive and peer intervention in HCV care cascade.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
606
Xpert HCV VL Fingerstick is an in vitro reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the detection and quantification of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA in human venous and capillary fingerstick EDTA whole blood. Appropriate pre and post testing counselling will be provided to participants.
Same day HCV test and treatment
Clinical services will receive additional education and have the option of providing incentives to attendees of service.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
HCV testing
The number of participants who receive HCV testing in each of the arms
Time frame: 12 months
HCV treatment
The number of participants who start HCV treatment in each of the arms
Time frame: 12 months
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