Innovative Approaches to Engaging Homeless and Marginally Housed Patients in Care: a Case Study of Hepatitis C.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Homeless and marginally housed (HAMH) individuals experience significant health disparities compared to housed counterparts, including higher hepatitis C virus (HCV) rates. New direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications dramatically increased screening and treatment rates for HCV overall, but inequities persist for HAMH populations.

Objective

This study examines the range of policies, practices, adaptations, and innovations implemented by Veteran Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) in response to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)'s 2016 HCV funding allocation to expand provision of HCV care.

Design

Ethnographic site visits to six US VAMCs varying in size, location, and availability of Homeless Patient-Aligned Care Teams. Semi-structured qualitative interviews

SUBMITTER: Conti J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9849487 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature