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Learning Objective:
Participants will learn how to:
1. Identify key issues in integrating hepatitis C and medication assisted opioid treatments
2. Initiate on-site HCV treatment programs with the assistance of an evaluation and treatment protocol
3. Integrate a HCV peer education program
Background:
Despite the high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug users enrolled in OTPs, few drug users are being treated with combination treatment. Drug users comprise 60% of the 4 million people in the US infected with HCV. One significant barrier to treatment is lack of access to comprehensive HCV-related care. The 2002 NIH Consensus Statement emphasizes the importance of access to treatment for HCV-infected IDUs and advocates addressing the complicated issues of adherence, psychiatric comorbidity, ongoing drug use, and risk of reinfection on a patient-by-patient basis. Nevertheless, individualized care is difficult in the context of fragmented medical systems. OTPs with existing multidisciplinary resources may promote the initiation of a HCV program. Effective multidisciplinary models of care include comprehensive screening and HCV treatment, assessment of eligibility, substance abuse counseling, psychiatric services, directly observed therapy, and enhanced linkages for medical procedures. Support groups and peer educators may promote patients' engagement in treatment by reducing the stigma of liver biopsy and interferon-based therapy.
Setting:
Outpatient drug treatment settings including OTPs.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
IDUs and non-IDUs infected with HCV.
Project Description:
This presentation will define the elements needed to integrate HCV care within OTPs. Patient educational materials and HCV treatment protocols will be provided. Participants will discuss their clinical cases to address treatment issues and intervention approaches, including assessment of treatment eligibility in a substance users; motivational and peer intervention techniques; relationship of HCV treatment and methadone dose; and harm reduction principles.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Participants will learn how to integrate a model of HCV care for use in drug treatment settings, with the overall goal of promoting appropriate evaluation and treatment.
See more of E4 - Comprehensive HCV Prevention and Care in Substance Abuse Programs
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference