Health Benefits, Costs, and Cost-Effectiveness of Jail-Based Hepatitis C Elimination Strategies - Scorecard - MDSpire

Health Benefits, Costs, and Cost-Effectiveness of Jail-Based Hepatitis C Elimination Strategies

  • By

  • Lin Zhu

  • Lora N. Magaldi

  • Indrani A. Wagh

  • Eliza R. Ennis

  • Marissa B. Reitsma

  • Danica E. Kuncio

  • Eman Addish

  • Sandy R. Varghese

  • Nathan W. Furukawa

  • Amanda A. Honeycutt

  • Yijie Chen

  • Benjamin P. Linas

  • Joshua A. Salomon

  • May 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Evaluating the Health Advantages, Financial Implications, and Economic Viability of Hepatitis C Elimination Initiatives in Correctional Facilities

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionHepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection
Key MechanismsDirect-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments and jail-based interventions
Target PopulationPeople who inject drugs, particularly those in correctional facilities
Care SettingJails and community health settings

Key Highlights

  • US aims to reduce new HCV infections by 90% and HCV-related deaths by 65% by 2030.
  • Injection drug use is the primary transmission route for HCV.
  • Jails have higher admission volumes and shorter detention periods, presenting unique intervention opportunities.
  • DAA treatments enhance the feasibility of jail-based HCV interventions.
  • Innovative strategies are needed to engage justice-involved individuals in HCV care.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • HCV testing at jail entry with high coverage.

Management

  • Implement HCV navigation and treatment initiation in jail settings.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Continuity of care post-release through community navigation.

Risks

  • High loss to follow-up due to uncertain release dates and staff shortages.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals who inject drugs, especially those in jails.

DAA treatments require 8 to 12 weeks of oral medication with high cure rates.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Utilize comprehensive viral hepatitis education initiatives.
  • Incorporate telemedicine for HCV-related education and care.
  • Coordinate postrelease navigation with local health care entities.

References

Original Source(s)

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