Dried Blood Spot Testing in Peer-assisted Telemedicine for Hepatitis C Treatment
Oregon Health and Science University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of treatment initiation achieved by peer-assisted telemedicine contingent on phlebotomy (usual care) versus that achieved with a new protocol, called Dried Blood Spot Test and Treat (DBS TaT). DBS TaT includes DBS testing to diagnose hepatitis C (HCV), utilizes a novel clinical decision aid that identifies patients who are low risk for hepatic (liver) fibrosis, and directs those patients to HCV treatment initiation prior to routine hepatic fibrosis assessment. The investigators hypothesize that DBS TaT will increase the rate of HCV treatment initiation compared to peer-assisted telemedicine contingent on phlebotomy (usual care).
Description
Oregon has the fourth highest prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) and third highest HCV-related mortality in the nation and it predominantly effects people who use drugs (PWUD). To respond to this, Peer Assisted Telemedicine for Hepatitis C (PATHS), a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration supported telemedicine-based HCV treatment program that serve PWUD in predominantly rural areas of Oregon was created. PATHS partners with "peers," people with lived experience of substance use, who work for community-based organizations serving PWUD in high-needs rural counties. Patients are…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Active hepatitis C infection * Willing to engaged with the PATHS program for clinical care Exclusion Criteria: • Currently pregnant
Interventions
- OtherDBS TaT
Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing for HCV DCHEQ and Baseline Surveys If at high risk for liver fibrosis, blood draw prior to treatment initiation If low risk for liver fibrosis, Telemedicine visit with PATHS provider HCV treatment initiation Transient elastography (TEG)
- OtherUsual Care
Point-of-care or DBS testing for HCV Blood draw to test liver fibrosis DCHEQ and Baseline Surveys Telemedicine visit with PATHS provider HCV treatment initiation Transient elastography (TEG)
Location
- Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon