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Collaborative Referral Model for Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment in a Remote Mountainous Region of Taiwan during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Tai, Chi-Ming; Bair, Ming-Jong; Chen, Tzu-Haw; Tseng, Cheng-Hao; Chen, Chih-Cheng; Lam, Hung; Yu, Ming-Lung.
  • Tai CM; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan.
  • Bair MJ; School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan.
  • Chen TH; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taitung 950408, Taiwan.
  • Tseng CH; Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei 252, Taiwan.
  • Chen CC; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan.
  • Lam H; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan.
  • Yu ML; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan.
Viruses ; 15(4)2023 03 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2304497
ABSTRACT
Community-based screening for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We developed a collaborative referral model between a primary clinic (Liouguei District Public Health Center, LDPHC) and a tertiary referral center to increase HCV screening and treatment uptake in a mountainous region of Taiwan. Once-in-a-lifetime hepatitis B and C screening services established by the Taiwan National Health Insurance were performed at LDPHC. Antibody-to-HCV (anti-HCV)-seropositive patients received scheduled referrals and took a shuttle bus to E-Da hospital for HCV RNA testing on their first visit. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) were prescribed for HCV-viremic patients on their second visit. From October 2020 to September 2022, of 3835 residents eligible for HCV screening in Liouguei District, 1879 (49%) received anti-HCV testing at LDPHC. The overall HCV screening coverage rate increased from 40% before referral to 69.4% after referral. Of the 79 anti-HCV-seropositive patients, 70 (88.6%) were successfully referred. Of the 38 HCV-viremic patients, 35 (92.1%) received DAA therapy, and 32 (91.4%) achieved sustained virological response. The collaborative referral model demonstrates a good model for HCV screening and access to care and treatment in a Taiwan mountainous region, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustained referral is possible using this routine referral model.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Hepatitis C / Hepatitis C, Chronic / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: V15040827

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Hepatitis C / Hepatitis C, Chronic / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Experimental Studies / Observational study Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: V15040827