Mixed-methods evaluation of point-of-care hepatitis C virus RNA testing in a Scottish prison.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a global public health threat. Prisons are a focus of prevention efforts due to high infection burdens. Expedition of treatment for incarcerated people is critical, as many are short-term sentenced. We evaluated point-of-care (PoC) HCV RNA testing in a maximum-security Scottish prison and assessed its impact on transition to treatment. We also evaluated costs and determinants of implementation.

Design

Mixed-methods evaluation of a single-centre care pathway pilot using National Health Service (NHS) data from 2018 to 2021. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis were undertaken. Cost analysis was assessed from a provider perspective. Healthcare staff participated in semistructured interviews and thematic analysis with a deductive

SUBMITTER: Byrne CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10186412 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature