Evaluation of the hepatitis C patient re-engagement exercise published by UKHSA

The UKHSA recently published a mixed methods evaluation of the the hepatitis C patient reengagement exercise. The exercise, launched in September 2018, sought to help find and support engagement in care for individuals previously diagnosed with hepatitis C (HCV).

With better tolerated and more effective directly acting antivirals (DAA) now widely available, it was thought that this exercise might benefit individuals who had never accessed treatment or were previously unable to complete treatment due to limited treatment options in the past, which had many side effects and low cure rates.  

The exercise was conducted in partnership with Operational Delivery Networks (ODNs) which coordinate patient treatment pathways. UKHSA provided lists of eligible individuals to 22 ODNs around England. Eligible individuals were matched to ODNs based on whether their GP's address fell into an ODN's catchment area. ODNs were charged with contacting individuals and coordinating and supporting their treatment. UKHSA provided implementation support.

Of 55,329 individuals included in the exercise, 21% had evidence of accessing treatment (7% before the exercise and 13% after the exercise had commenced), 12% were found to be HCV RNA negative and hence did not need treatment, and 5% died. However, almost 60% of those contacted remained disengaged.

In-depth interviews with ODNs following the exercise identified several barriers and facilitators to the exercise. Barriers included time and other resource burden, difficulty in contacting individuals for myriad reasons, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitators included support from GPs, existing relationships with laboratories, and UKHSA support.

The exercise was a substantial and extensive undertaking facilitated by access to key data resources and the participation of multiple organisations. It showed some promise as a novel way to find and treat individuals diagnosed with HCV.

Please visit the UKHSA website for more details here.

You can also read the published quantitative evaluation.