No Patient Left Behind: A Novel Paradigm to Fulfill Hepatitis C Virus Treatment for Rural Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study evaluates a novel multidisciplinary program providing expanded access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment for rural Appalachian patients in South Carolina. This program identified patients via an opt-out emergency department screening program, and it aimed to achieve HCV cure by using community paramedics (CPs) to link and monitor patients from treatment initiation through 12-week sustained virologic response (SVR).

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years who were HCV RNA positive were eligible for enrollment if they failed to appear for a scheduled HCV appointment or reported barriers to accessing office-based treatment. CPs provided home visits (initial and 4, 12, and 24 weeks) using a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to support telemedicine appointments (compliant with

SUBMITTER: Gormley MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11088356 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature