To evaluate hospital-based HCV treatment models for people who use drugs (PWUD) and assess their effectiveness in initiating and completing treatment.
Key Findings:
Engaging PWUD during hospitalization leads to higher treatment initiation and completion rates compared to standard outpatient referrals.
Hospitalization presents a key opportunity for initiating HCV treatment due to the challenges faced by PWUD in outpatient settings.
Six studies from four countries met the inclusion criteria, supporting the effectiveness of inpatient treatment models.
Interpretation:
Inpatient treatment models for HCV can significantly improve treatment access and outcomes for PWUD, addressing systemic barriers in traditional outpatient care.
Limitations:
Challenges in medication procurement and psychosocial needs may hinder treatment initiation during hospitalization.
The review is limited to studies published in English and may not encompass all relevant data globally.
Conclusion:
Inpatient HCV treatment models should be integrated into comprehensive strategies to eliminate HCV among PWUD, both in the U.S. and internationally.
by Jacob Denkins, Jane Babiarz, YoungYoon Ham, HaYoung Ryu, Brian Ricci, Carissa Williams, Ian Alexander, Kendall Tucker, L Madeline McCrary, Ximena Levander
