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The following is a summary of “Implementation of Site-Specific Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Workflows for Vulnerable, High-Risk Populations: A Prospective Single-Arm Trial,” published in the March 2025 issue of Journal of Primary Care & Community Health by Desai et al. 

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is effective with pan-genotypic antivirals using a simplified algorithm. However, access remains limited for vulnerable populations. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess site-specific HCV treatment workflows for vulnerable populations in Austin, Texas. 

They enrolled patients with chronic hepatitis C at a study site in a prospective, single-arm trial. Proportions for treatment prescription, initiation, completion, cure assessment, and cure achievement were assessed, along with implementation using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. 

The results showed 89% had experienced homelessness and 94% had used drugs. An estimated 66% (95% CrI, 42%-84%) were prescribed treatment, 49% (95% CrI, 26%-70%) initiated treatment, 38% (95% CrI, 20%-58%) completed treatment, 14% (95% CrI, 4%-44%) were assessed for cure, and 10% (95% CrI, 2%-35%) achieved cure. 

Investigators identified gaps from enrollment to prescription and from treatment completion to cure assessment. They found existing workflows insufficient and suggested outreach, navigation, test-and-treat, and removing financial barriers. 

Source: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21501319251330622