To explore the perspectives of patients who engaged in street-based treatment for HCV, assess treatment outcomes, and compare these findings to clinicians’ predictions.
Approach:
Study Design: Conducted one-time, in-person, semistructured interviews with patients engaged in street-based HCV treatment through a street medicine program from June to August 2023.
Participants: 15 adult patients served by USC Street Medicine who initiated street-based HCV treatment after a positive screen.
Data Collection: Interviews followed a 4-item semistructured guide, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed.
Key Findings:
People experiencing homelessness have a high prevalence of HCV, with estimates ranging from 10% to 53%.
The USC Street Medicine program has provided full-spectrum primary care to unsheltered individuals since 2018.
Medi-Cal Rx removed restrictions on HCV treatment, enabling better access for patients.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Small sample size of 15 participants may limit generalizability.
Participants were primarily from a single geographic area (Los Angeles County).
