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Multidisciplinary HCV treatment program yields results
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A hepatitis C virus treatment program at an urban safety-net hospital that used a multidisciplinary team led to nearly one out of every four referrals receiving treatment, according to research recently published in Annals of Family Medicine.
“Prior studies have demonstrated that general internists can successfully deliver HCV care for urban underserved patients in primary care settings,” Karen E. Lasser, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine and public health at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, and colleagues wrote. “We are unaware, however, of primary care treatment programs in the era of newer oral medications. The simplicity of oral regimens that have few side effects and are effective across genotypes enables primary care physicians to provide treatment.”
In the study’s treatment model, a case manager coordinates care for patients with HCV. Patients are referred to physicians who advise on HCV treatment options and discuss substance use history, risks of nonadherence and reinfection, and reducing the risk for HCV transmission. Physicians also administer vaccines for hepatitis A and B when needed. Case managers then make referrals, if necessary, for mental health and/or substance use treatment, and assist with other needs such as housing and transportation. Pharmacy technicians prepare prior authorization paperwork for HCV treatment candidates, and if patients are approved, pharmacists educate patients about medication administration, adherence and adverse effects. Three months after completing treatment, patients see the physician to determine if the patient has achieved a sustained virologic response.
Lasser and colleagues also noted that financial support for their model came from revenue obtained through the 340b drug discount program. In addition, the model does not require videoconferencing to provide specialist backup, as is the case with the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes program.
The researchers found that over a 1-year period, the program received 302 referrals, and 23% of the patients in the program received treatment.
“This program is unique in two ways; it is situated in a [patient-centered medical home] based in a safety-net hospital and uses a multidisciplinary approach with primary care staff working at the top of their license — that is, each team member practices to the full extent of their education and training instead of performing tasks that could be completed by another team member. Although our model employed general internists, we believe family physicians could play a similar role,” Lasser and colleagues wrote. “Additionally, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners could evaluate patients for HCV infection under physician supervision. Finally, we believe this model has transferability beyond large urban academic medical centers.” – by Janel Miller
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant disclosures.