Our success with Hepatitis C

 

Hepatitis C is a global health problem, affecting 150,000 Australians still despite curative treatments being available on the PBS since 2016. Previously a Specialist led condition, hepatitis C treatment initiation has dropped significantly nationally, requiring a change in model of care to engage community GPs to increase treatment uptake. The Steera-HealthELink Hepatitis C Study was a multi-centre trial designed to promote HCV treatment uptake by community GPs with little to no experience, whilst co-management their patients with tertiary specialists. The Steera-HealthELink study tested various concepts vital to its success including linking treating teams digitally, providing decision making support, simple to follow dynamic treatment plans with secure communications, together forming a live database that improves treatment outcomes. Between 2017-2019, 300 hepatitis C patients, 60GPs, 11 Specialists, 15 nurses were recruited. Compared to standard of care, patient enrolled into digital arm, had overall improved liver care compared to those who undergone standard treatment. Usability data from clinicians showed the platform was easy to use and proved to the an important tool in increasing treatment uptake of hepatitis C. Based on this success, investigators are bring this digital model of care to other areas of medicine including bowel cancer screening and melanoma therapy.