Integrated Hepatitis C testing and linkage to care at a local health department sexually transmitted disease clinic: Determining essential resources and evaluating outcomes

Sarah Kathleen Rhea; Sarah Kathleen Rhea; Arlene C Seña; Alison Hilton; Christopher B Hurt; David Wohl; Aaron T Fleischauer

Integrated Hepatitis C testing and linkage to care at a local health department sexually transmitted disease clinic

Determining essential resources and evaluating outcomes

Rhea, S., Sena, A. C., Hilton, A., Hurt, C. B., Wohl, D., & Fleischauer, A. (2018). Integrated Hepatitis C testing and linkage to care at a local health department sexually transmitted disease clinic: Determining essential resources and evaluating outcomes. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 45(4), 229-232. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000748

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Abstract

Guidance about integration of comprehensive hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related services in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics is limited. We evaluated a federally funded HCV testing and linkage-to-care program at an STD clinic in Durham County, North Carolina. During December 10, 2012, to March 31, 2015, the program tested 733 patients for HCV who reported 1 or more HCV risk factor; 81 (11%) were HCV-infected (ie, HCV antibody-positive and HCV ribonucleic acid-positive). Fifty-one infected patients (63%) were linked to care. We concluded that essential program resources include reflex HCV ribonucleic acid testing; a dedicated bridge counselor to provide test results, health education, and linkage-to-care assistance; and referral relationships for local HCV management and treatment.