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Allison MK, Bogulski CA, McCoy HC, Silva R, Hayes CJ, Andersen JA, Eswaran H. Facilitators and barriers to implementing the Project ECHO model: perspectives of 8 ECHO implementation teams. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2025; 30:2473476. [PMID: 40095947 PMCID: PMC11915725 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2025.2473476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 02/24/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Project ECHO has emerged as a leading telementoring modality for continuing medical education, particularly for providers practicing in rural and underserved areas with limited access to specialty care. The efficacy and utility of the ECHO model in healthcare training is well documented, though there is less literature focused on the determinants of ECHO implementation. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess facilitators and barriers to implementing the ECHO model. METHODS We conducted virtual focus groups with eight Project ECHO implementation teams (n = 29 individuals) across the United States. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), focus groups explored experiences implementing the ECHO model and assessed facilitators and barriers to program uptake, delivery, and sustainability. RESULTS Qualitative analysis revealed implementation determinants across CFIR levels. Participants recognized the advantage of ECHO's virtual, learner-centric, case-based learning approach compared to other continuing medical education modalities. Participants recommended recruiting subject matter expert presenters with skills as educators and understanding of the ECHO model. Because of Project ECHO's emphasis on case-based learning, participants highlighted the importance of balancing didactics with case presentations and discussion. Scheduling and finding time to participate was reported as a challenge for provider engagement, though most participants suggested that the length, frequency of sessions, and number of participants can be tailored for each program to accommodate needs. Providing CME credit and setting expectations for attendance and case presentation were said to improve provider engagement. Support and mentorship from the ECHO Institute was described as a facilitator in planning for ECHO implementation and delivery. Funding was reported as a barrier to sustainability. CONCLUSION By addressing barriers prior to implementing the ECHO model, future ECHOs can be tailored to leverage program resources, maximize attendance, expand reach, and ultimately improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kathryn Allison
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Cari A Bogulski
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hannah C McCoy
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Rosario Silva
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Corey J Hayes
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jennifer A Andersen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Institute for Community Health Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Springdale, AR, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hari Eswaran
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Joddrell P, Manson J, Kyeremateng S, Pilkington G, Ariss S, Lowrie K, McTague L, Taylor PM. Six years of Project ECHO: Implementation and evaluation of a hospice-led multiprofessional education programme. Health Informatics J 2024; 30:14604582241290719. [PMID: 39379042 DOI: 10.1177/14604582241290719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: This article reports on the implementation and evaluation of an established technology-enabled collaborative learning programme (Project ECHO) at an independent UK hospice in the North of England over a 6-year period. Methods: An independent audit of collated, anonymised data from the programme is used to report attendance patterns and session evaluations. Results: The results show a gradual increase in attendances, programmes, sessions and hours of education, coupled with consistently positive evaluation reports. Conclusion: This supports existing evidence that Project ECHO is an effective method of delivering remote healthcare education, demonstrating impact on the first three levels of Moore's education framework; participation, satisfaction and learning. Future expansion in terms of geography and topics covered is proposed, alongside enhanced evaluation methods to demonstrate impact at the higher levels of Moore's framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Joddrell
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jane Manson
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- St Luke's Hospice, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Gerlinde Pilkington
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Steven Ariss
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kinga Lowrie
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Paul M Taylor
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- St Luke's Hospice, Sheffield, UK
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Corcorran MA, Thornton K, Struminger B, Easterbrook P, Scott JD. Training the healthcare workforce: the global experience with telementorship for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:824. [PMID: 37533025 PMCID: PMC10394928 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09849-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telementorship has emerged as an innovative strategy to decentralise medical knowledge and increase healthcare capacity across a wide range of disease processes. We report the global experience with telementorship to support healthcare workers delivering hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) care and treatment. METHODS In early 2020, we conducted a survey of HBV and HCV telementorship programmes, followed by an in-depth interview with programme leads. Programmes were eligible to participate if they were located outside of the United States (U.S.), focused on support to healthcare workers in management of HBV and/or HCV, and were affiliated with or maintained adherence to the Project ECHO model, a telementorship programme pioneered at the University of New Mexico. One programme in the U.S., focused on HCV treatment in the Native American community, was purposively sampled and invited to participate. Surveys were administered online, and all qualitative interviews were performed remotely. Descriptive statistics were calculated for survey responses, and qualitative interviews were assessed for major themes. RESULTS Eleven of 18 eligible programmes completed the survey and follow up interview. Sixty-four percent of programmes were located at regional academic medical centers. The majority of programmes (64%) were led by hepatologists. Most programmes (82%) addressed both HBV and HCV, and the remainder focused on HCV only. The median number of participating clinical spoke sites per programme was 22, and most spoke site participants were primary care providers. Most ECHO sessions were held monthly (36%) or bimonthly (27%), with sessions ranging from 45 min to 2 h in length. Programme leaders identified collective learning, empowerment and collaboration to be key strengths of their telementorship programme, while insufficient funding and a lack of protected time for telementorship leaders and participants were identified as major barriers to success. CONCLUSION The Project ECHO model for telementorship can be successfully implemented across high and low-and-middle-income countries to improve provider knowledge and experience in management of viral hepatitis. There is a tremendous opportunity to further expand upon the existing experience with telementorship to support non-specialist healthcare workers and promote elimination of viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Corcorran
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359782, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - Karla Thornton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Project ECHO, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Bruce Struminger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Project ECHO, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - John D Scott
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Lewit EM, Figg LE, Addala A, Filipp SL, Lal R, Gurka MJ, Herndon JB, Haller MJ, Maahs DM, Walker AF. Project ECHO Diabetes Cost Modeling to Support the Replication and Expansion of Tele-mentoring Programs in Non-research Settings. Diabetes Ther 2023; 14:509-518. [PMID: 36680682 PMCID: PMC9981830 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-022-01364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Project ECHO Diabetes is a tele-education learning model for primary care providers (PCPs) seeking to improve care for patients with diabetes from marginalized communities. Project ECHO Diabetes utilized expert "hub" teams comprising endocrinologists, dieticians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers and "spokes" consisting of PCPs and their patients with diabetes. This Project ECHO Diabetes model provided diabetes support coaches to provide additional support to patients. We sought to estimate the costs of operating a Project ECHO Diabetes hub, inclusive of diabetes support coach costs. METHODS Data from Project ECHO Diabetes from June 2021 to June 2022 and wages from national databases were used to estimate hub and diabetes support coach costs to operate a 6-month, 24-session Project ECHO Diabetes program at hubs (University of Florida and Stanford University) and spokes (PCP clinic sites in Florida and California). RESULTS Hub costs for delivering a 6-month Project ECHO Diabetes program to five spoke clinics were $96,873. Personnel costs were the principal driver. Mean cost was $19,673 per spoke clinic and $11.37 per spoke clinic patient. Diabetes support coach costs were estimated per spoke clinic and considered scalable in that they would increase proportionately with the number of spoke clinics in a Project ECHO Diabetes cohort. Mean diabetes support coach costs were $6,506 per spoke clinic and $3.72 per patient. Total program costs per hub were $129,404. Mean cost per clinic was $25,881. Mean cost per patient was $15.03. CONCLUSION Herein, we document real-world costs to operate a Project ECHO Diabetes hub and diabetes support coaches. Future analysis of Project ECHO Diabetes will include estimates of spoke participation costs and changes in health care costs and savings. As state agencies, insurers, and philanthropies consider the replication of Project ECHO Diabetes, this analysis provides important initial information regarding primary operating costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene M Lewit
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- , 2448 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94301, USA.
| | - Lauren E Figg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ananta Addala
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Filipp
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Florida, PO Box 100296, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Rayhan Lal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J Gurka
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Florida, PO Box 100296, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | - Michael J Haller
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Florida, PO Box 100296, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - David M Maahs
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ashby F Walker
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Kenny C, Priyadarshini A. "Mind the Gap" - An overview of the role of the Extensions Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model in enhancing value in health care delivery. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:94-104. [PMID: 37063352 PMCID: PMC10091128 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The ECHO (Extensions Community Healthcare Outcomes) model of healthcare delivery has grown rapidly since its establishment and increased in popularity in recent years. This expansion has developed alongside the growing incidence of chronic diseases and the need to better manage them. The increasing uptake in ECHO has presented a requirement to assess its true value as healthcare costs are increasing globally, resulting in a growing demand by governments and policy makers to ensure chronic disease management strategies provide true value. Therefore, the aim of this review is to examine the impact that ECHO has on clinical practice and how such impacts are measured or evaluated. A narrative literature review is carried out to examine the outcomes assessed in ECHO-related studies. Three key academic databases were utilised for the literature search: Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline. Keywords relating to the review were chosen and searched for. Papers were screened using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria relating to years of publication (2000-2020), type of publication (original research, review papers and meta-analyses) and language requirements (English language only). This review found that while the ECHO model is expanding, and improving the so-called "knowledge gap" between specialists and primary care physicians, there is also a gap in the ways value is examined within ECHO. Most studies on ECHO lack an examination of patient reported health outcomes and appropriate, comparative costing methods. Current ECHO-related studies lack vital components that demonstrate the value of the model. Such components include patient reported health outcomes and detailed costing comparisons between the ECHO model and the traditional care pathway it is replacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kenny
- Faculty of Business, Technological University Dublin, Aungier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
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A Comprehensive Hepatitis C Treatment Program—An Observational Study of Collaboration Between Infectious Disease Specialists and General Internal Medicine Provider Serving a Majority Black Population. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Alberts R, Zimmermann A, Martinez A. Improving hepatitis C screening and access to treatment. JAAPA 2022; 35:17-21. [PMID: 36165543 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000873784.48761.b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The rising prevalence of opioid use disorder and injection drug use has resulted in an increasing incidence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although older adults historically have represented the bulk of HCV infections in the United States, demographics have shifted and most new infections are presenting in younger patients. As a result, screening guidelines for HCV have evolved, moving toward a near-universal screening paradigm. Rates of screening and linkage to care remain low, attributed to the fact that underserved populations are disproportionately affected and often have limited access to specialty care. Collaborative models to treat HCV using primary care providers have been proposed to facilitate linkage to care and reduce transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Alberts
- Ryan Alberts practices at Universal Primary Care in Olean, N.Y. AnnMarie Zimmermann is medical director of the Southern Tier Community Health Center Network in Olean, N.Y. Anthony Martinez is an associate professor of medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University at Buffalo (N.Y.) and medical director of hepatology at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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Osei-Twum JA, Wiles B, Killackey T, Mahood Q, Lalloo C, Stinson JN. Impact of Project ECHO on Patient and Community Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2022; 97:1393-1402. [PMID: 35612913 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) is a hub-and-spoke tele-education model that aims to increase health care providers' access to evidence-based guidelines and enhance their capacity to care for complex patients in rural, remote, and underserved communities. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine evidence of the impact of Project ECHO programs on patient and community health outcomes. METHOD The authors used Arksey and O'Malley's framework and subsequent revisions proposed by Levac and colleagues to guide their review. They searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science for English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between January 2003 and June 2020. Included studies focused on Project ECHO programs and reported either patient or community health outcomes. The authors used a standardized data extraction form to document bibliographical information and study characteristics, including health outcome level(s), as articulated by Moore's evaluation framework for continuing medical education. RESULTS Of the 597 search results, the authors identified 15 studies describing Project ECHO programs. These programs were implemented in the United States and Australia and facilitated education sessions with health care providers caring for adult patients living with 1 of 7 medical conditions. Included study findings suggest Project ECHO programs significantly changed patient-level outcomes (n = 15) and to a lesser extent changed community-level outcomes (n = 1). Changes in care were observed at the individual patient level, at the practice level, and in objective clinical measures, including sustained virologic response and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS This review identified emerging evidence of the effectiveness of Project ECHO as a tele-education model that improves patient health outcomes and has the potential to positively impact community health. The small number of included studies suggests that additional evidence of patient- and community-level impact is required to support the continued adoption and implementation of this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Ann Osei-Twum
- J.-A. Osei-Twum is research coordinator, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4060-7953
| | - Brittany Wiles
- B. Wiles is research coordinator, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9711-5004
| | - Tieghan Killackey
- T. Killackey is a postdoctoral research fellow, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2941-4058
| | - Quenby Mahood
- Q. Mahood is a librarian, Learning Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7814-2039
| | - Chitra Lalloo
- C. Lalloo is research lead, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, and assistant professor, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2794-7061
| | - Jennifer N Stinson
- J.N. Stinson is senior scientist, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, and associate professor, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9969-8052
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Wood BR, Bauer K, Lechtenberg R, Buskin SE, Bush L, Capizzi J, Crutsinger-Perry B, Erly SJ, Menza TW, Reuer JR, Golden MR, Hughes JP. Direct and Indirect Effects of a Project ECHO Longitudinal Clinical Tele-Mentoring Program on Viral Suppression for Persons With HIV: A Population-Based Analysis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:538-545. [PMID: 35499527 PMCID: PMC9283242 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Project Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) aims to connect community providers to academic specialists, deliver longitudinal clinical mentorship and case consultations, plus encourage dissemination of knowledge and resources. The impact on outcomes for persons with HIV (PWH) is uncertain. SETTING PWH in Washington and Oregon outside of the Seattle and Portland metro areas, January 2011 to March 2018. METHODS Using viral load (VL) surveillance data, we assessed difference in the percentage of PWH who were virally suppressed among PWH whose providers participated versus did not participate in Project ECHO. Analyses included multiple mixed-effects regression models, adjusting for time and for patient, provider, and clinic characteristics. RESULTS Based on 65,623 VL results, Project ECHO participation was associated with an increase in the percentage of patients with VL suppression (13.7 percentage points greater; P < 0.0001), although the effect varied by estimated provider PWH patient volume. The difference was 14.7 percentage points ( P < 0.0001) among patients of providers who order <20 VL's/quarter and 2.3 and -0.6 percentage points among patients of providers who order 20-40 or >40 VL's/quarter, respectively ( P > 0.5). The magnitude of difference in VL suppression was associated with the number of sessions attended. Among patients of lower-volume providers who did not participate, VL suppression was 6.2 percentage points higher if providers worked in a clinic where another provider did participate ( P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Project ECHO is associated with improvement in VL suppression for PWH whose providers participate or work in the same clinic system as a provider who participates, primarily because of benefits for patients of lower-volume providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. Wood
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Mountain West AIDS Education and Training Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karin Bauer
- Mountain West AIDS Education and Training Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Susan E. Buskin
- Public Health – Seattle and King County HIV/STD Program, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lea Bush
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeff Capizzi
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Timothy W. Menza
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Matthew R. Golden
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Public Health – Seattle and King County HIV/STD Program, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James P. Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Dunn KPR, Williams KP, Egan CE, Potestio ML, Lee SS. ECHO+: Improving access to hepatitis C care within Indigenous communities in Alberta, Canada. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022; 5:113-123. [PMID: 35991479 PMCID: PMC9236587 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2021-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous populations experience higher rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in Canada. The Extension for Community Health Outcomes+ (ECHO+) telehealth model was implemented in Alberta to support HCV screening and treatment, using Zoom technology to support Indigenous patient access to specialist care closer to home. Our goal was to expand this program to more Indigenous communities in Alberta, using various Indigenous-led or co-designed methods. METHODS The ECHO+ team implemented a Two-Eyed Seeing framework, incorporating Indigenous wholistic approaches alongside Western treatment. This approach works with principles of respect, reciprocity, and relationality. The ECHO+ team identified Indigenous-specific challenges, including access to liver specialist care, HCV awareness, stigma, barriers to screening and lack of culturally relevant approaches. RESULTS Access to HCV care via this program significantly increased HCV antiviral use in the past 5 years. Key lessons learned include Indigenous-led relationship building and development of project outputs in response to community needs influences impact and increases relevant changes increasing access to HCV care. Implementation of ECHO+ was carried out through biweekly telehealth sessions, problem solving in partnership with Indigenous communities, increased HCV awareness, and flexibility resulting from the impacts of COVID-19. CONCLUSION Improving Indigenous patient lives and reducing inequity requires supporting local primary health care providers to create and sustain integrated HCV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support services within a culturally safe and reciprocal model. ECHO+ uses telehealth and culturally appropriate methodology and interventions alongside multiple stakeholder collaborations to improve health outcomes for HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate PR Dunn
- Indigenous Wellness Core, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- These authors contributed equally and are co-first authors
| | - Kienan P Williams
- Indigenous Wellness Core, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- These authors contributed equally and are co-first authors
| | - Cari E Egan
- Indigenous Wellness Core, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melissa L Potestio
- Indigenous Wellness Core, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Co-senior authors
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Co-senior authors
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Pharmacist-led drug therapy management for Hepatitis C at a federally qualified healthcare center. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1596-1605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Serhal E, Pereira C, Armata R, Hardy J, Sockalingam S, Crawford A. Describing implementation outcomes for a virtual community of practice: The ECHO Ontario Mental Health experience. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:17. [PMID: 35135565 PMCID: PMC8822668 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00818-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Project ECHO is a virtual education model aimed at building capacity among healthcare providers to support optimal management for a range of health conditions. The expansion of the ECHO model, further amplified by the pandemic, has demonstrated an increased need to evaluate implementation success to ensure that interventions are implemented as planned. This study describes how Proctor et al.’s implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, costs, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability) were adapted and used to assess the implementation of ECHO Ontario Mental Health (ECHO-ONMH), a mental health-focused capacity-building programme. Methods Using Proctor et al.’s implementation outcomes, the authors developed an implementation outcomes framework for ECHO-ONMH more generally. Using this, outcome measures and success thresholds were identified for each outcome for the ECHO-ONMH context, and then applied to evaluate the implementation of ECHO-ONMH using data from the first 4 years of the programme. Results An ECHO-ONMH implementation outcomes framework was developed using Proctor’s implementation outcomes. ECHO-ONMH adapted implementation outcomes suggest that ECHO-ONMH was implemented successfully in all domains except for penetration, which only had participation from 13/14 regions. Acceptability, appropriateness and adoption success thresholds were surpassed for all 4 years, showing strong signs of sustainability. The programme was deemed feasible all 4 years and was found to be more cost-effective. ECHO-ONMH also showed high rates of fidelity to the ECHO model, and high rates of penetration. Conclusions This is the first study to use Proctor et al.’s implementation outcomes to describe implementation success for a virtual capacity-building model. The proposed ECHO implementation outcomes framework provides a base for similar interventions to evaluate implementation success, which is an important precursor to understanding learning, service or health outcomes related to the model. Additionally, these findings can act as a benchmark for other international ECHOs and educational programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Serhal
- Virtual Care, Outreach, and ECHO Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Cheryl Pereira
- Virtual Care, Outreach, and ECHO Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosaria Armata
- Virtual Care, Outreach, and ECHO Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Hardy
- Virtual Care, Outreach, and ECHO Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sanjeev Sockalingam
- Department of Education, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Allison Crawford
- Virtual Care, Outreach, and ECHO Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Fung BM, Perumpail M, Patel YA, Tabibian JH. Telemedicine in Hepatology: Current Applications and Future Directions. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:294-303. [PMID: 34506686 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Telemedicine refers to the use of information and communication technologies for providing health care at a distance. Through the use of telecommunication technologies such as cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices, health care providers are able to conduct patient visits, mentor/train other providers, and monitor patients' chronic diseases remotely, potentially hundreds or thousands of miles away. Over the past 2 decades, the use of telemedicine has grown in the field of hepatology. In this review, we provide a focused primer on telemedicine and its current applications in hepatology. In particular, we discuss the use of telemedicine in the management of chronic hepatitis C, the complications of liver disease, as well as preliver transplantation evaluation and posttransplantation care. In addition, we provide a synopsis of the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the use of telemedicine in hepatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Fung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ.,Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
| | | | - Yuval A Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - James H Tabibian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Olive View - UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
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14
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González Grande R, Santaella Leiva I, López Ortega S, Jiménez Pérez M. Present and future management of viral hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:8081-8102. [PMID: 35068856 PMCID: PMC8704279 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i47.8081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis can result in important morbidity and mortality, with its impact on health conditioned by the specific type of hepatitis, the geographical region of presentation and the development and access to new drugs, among other factors. Most acute presentation forms are self-limiting and may even go unnoticed, with just a small percentage of cases leading to acute liver failure that may necessitate transplantation or even cause the death of the patient. However, when they become chronic, as in the case of hepatitis B virus and C virus, unless they are diagnosed and treated adequately they may have severe consequences, like cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma. Understanding of the mechanisms of transmission, the pathogenesis, the presence of vaccinations and the development over recent years of new highly-efficient, potent drugs have meant that we are now faced with a new scenario in the management of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. The spectacular advances in hepatitis C virus treatment have led the World Health Organization to propose the objective of its eradication by 2030. The key aspect to achieving this goal is to ensure that these treatments reach all the more vulnerable population groups, in whom the different types of viral hepatitis have a high prevalence and constitute a niche that may perpetuate infection and hinder its eradication. Accordingly, micro-elimination programs assume special relevance at the present time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío González Grande
- UGC de Aparato Digestivo. Unidad de Hepatología-Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Santaella Leiva
- UGC de Aparato Digestivo. Unidad de Hepatología-Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - Susana López Ortega
- UGC de Aparato Digestivo. Unidad de Hepatología-Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga 29010, Spain
| | - Miguel Jiménez Pérez
- UGC de Aparato Digestivo. Unidad de Hepatología-Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga 29010, Spain
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15
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Grattagliano I, Rossi A, Marconi E, Lapi F, Cricelli C. Determinants of HCV-related complications in Italian primary care patients. Liver Int 2021; 41:2857-2865. [PMID: 34268863 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study aimed to assess the demographic and clinical determinants of liver complications in Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients in primary care setting. METHODS Using the Health Search database, we selected a cohort of patients aged ≥14 diagnosed with HCV between 2002 and 2017. Patients were followed up until the occurrence of cirrhosis and other disease progressions such as oesophageal varices, hepatocellular carcinoma and/or liver transplantation. The candidate determinants for the risk of HCV-related complications included sex, age, smoking status, liver fibrosis (measured by fibrosis 4 index [FIB-4]), infections by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), other forms of hepatitis, abuse of alcohol or illicit substances or drugs, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and renal disease. Cox regression was used to test the association between candidate determinants and the outcome. RESULTS The cohort included 8299 HCV-positive patients (50.93% men) with an overall prevalence rate equal to 0.61%. At least one HCV-related complication was found in 12.2% of patients, with a mean time-to-event equal to 8.1 year. Along with male sex and advanced age, a FIB-4 greater than 3.25 and the presence of diabetes were associated with a greater risk of HCV-related complications. CONCLUSION Our study shows that patients with certain demographics and clinical characteristics are more prone to incur in HCV-related complications. The knowledge and early identification of these determinants by GPs may result in reducing disease progression and related healthcare costs through a closer monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Ettore Marconi
- Health Search, Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Lapi
- Health Search, Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudio Cricelli
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy
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16
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Doshi RK, Ruben M, Drezner K, Lachmann A, Kuo I, Chanes-Mora P, Varga L, Saafir-Callaway B, Visconti A, Kharfen M. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment among Health Care Providers in Washington, DC. J Community Health 2021; 45:785-794. [PMID: 32125591 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00794-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Elimination of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) will require scaling up treatment, including possible HCV treatment by primary care providers. The District of Columbia (DC) has a substantial population living with untreated hepatitis C, and treatment expansion would benefit the resident population. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of primary care providers and specialists related to hepatitis C screening and treatment. We conducted a prospective, online survey of physicians and nurse practitioners (n = 153) in DC on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to hepatitis C screening and treatment, as well as referral patterns, interest in learning, and preferred learning modalities. We compared responses by provider type. Key findings indicated that HCV screening and treatment knowledge was higher among specialty physicians as compared to primary care providers. The most common reported facilitators of HCV screening included a prompt in the electronic medical record (63%), patient education (57%), and support staff (41%). While 71% reported that HCV treatment was important in the community they serve, only 26% indicated that access to HCV specialist expertise and consultation was a major area of need. Additionally, 59% reported that they refer all HCV patients to specialists for treatment. Primary care providers in DC had moderate interest in learning how to treat chronic hepatitis C, but they need additional training. Patients are typically referred to gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and hepatology specialists who may have limited capacity to expand treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Kotwal Doshi
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA. .,George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
| | - Max Ruben
- George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Kate Drezner
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Alexandra Lachmann
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Irene Kuo
- George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Paola Chanes-Mora
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Leah Varga
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA.,George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Brittani Saafir-Callaway
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Adam Visconti
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
| | - Michael Kharfen
- District of Columbia Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, USA
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17
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Suenaga R, Suka M, Hirao T, Hidaka I, Sakaida I, Ishida H. Cost-effectiveness of a "treat-all" strategy using Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 at different fibrosis stages. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248748. [PMID: 33793594 PMCID: PMC8016275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of therapeutic strategies initiated at different stages of liver fibrosis using three direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), sofosbuvir-ledipasvir (SL), glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (GP), and elbasvir plus grazoprevir (E/G), for Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 1. Methods We created an analytical decision model reflecting the progression of liver fibrosis stages to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of alternative therapeutic strategies applied at different fibrosis stages. We compared six treatment strategies: treating all patients regardless of fibrosis stage (TA), treating individual patients with one of four treatments starting at four respective stages of liver fibrosis progression (F1S: withholding treatment at stage F0 and starting treatment from stage F1 or higher, and three successive options, F2S, F3S, and F4S), and administering no antiviral treatment (NoRx). We adopted a lifetime horizon and Japanese health insurance payers’ perspective. Results The base case analysis showed that the incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gain of TA by SL, GP, and E/G compared with the strategies of starting treatments for patients with the advanced fibrosis stage, F2S, varied from 0.32 to 0.33, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were US$24,320, US$18,160 and US$17,410 per QALY, respectively. On the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve, TA was most likely to be cost-effective, with the three DAAs at the willingness to pay thresholds of US$50,000. Conclusions Our results suggested that administration of DAA treatment for all Japanese patients with genotype 1 CHC regardless of their liver fibrosis stage would be cost-effective under ordinary conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riichiro Suenaga
- Japanese Red Cross Yamaguchi Hospital, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Machi Suka
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Hirao
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Isao Hidaka
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Isao Sakaida
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Haku Ishida
- Department of Medical Informatics & Decision Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
- * E-mail:
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18
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Poudel KC, Poudel-Tandukar K. High prevalence and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus in people living with HIV in Kathmandu, Nepal. Infect Dis (Lond) 2021; 53:521-530. [PMID: 33729860 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2021.1898046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-positive individuals in many resource-limited countries. As prevalence rates of co-infection using the serological diagnosis of HCV infection might be imprecise, estimates of prevalence using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed diagnosis is needed to guide HCV treatment efforts among HIV-positive individuals in resource-limited countries. METHODS We conducted this community-based cross-sectional study among 280 HIV-positive individuals recruited through the networks of five non-government organizations working with HIV-positive individuals in Kathmandu, Nepal. We collected blood samples from each participant and tested all the anti-HCV positive samples for HCV-RNA and genotypes. We calculated the prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection and examined factors associated with it using multivariable logistic regression analysis. We also calculated the proportion of infection by different HCV genotypes and investigated HCV seroconversion. RESULTS The prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection was 29.6% (95% CI 24.25-34.95). History of a lifetime injecting drug use was associated with a higher likelihood of HCV/HIV co-infection (p < .001). Of the 81 individuals whose serum samples were available for genotype assessment, 55.7% tested positive for genotype 3A, 36.7% for genotype 1A and the remaining samples' genotype was undetermined (7.6%). Of the 100 anti-HCV positive samples, 17 (17.0%) tested negative for HCV RNA. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection, distribution of prevalent HCV genotype 1A and 3A and HCV seroconversion rate have important implications for the public health system in guiding HCV treatment and control efforts among HIV-positive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna C Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.,Institute for Global Health, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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19
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Addressing HCV Elimination Barriers in Italy: Healthcare Resource Utilization and Cost Impact Using 8 Weeks' Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir Therapy. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:763-774. [PMID: 33655410 PMCID: PMC7925258 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00410-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Italy, hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is achievable; however, barriers remain to achieving the World Health Organization’s elimination targets, and have become more pronounced with the spread of COVID-19. Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) is a direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV, approved for 8-week treatment in patients without cirrhosis, and with compensated cirrhosis (CC). Previously, 12 weeks of therapy was recommended for patients with CC. Shortened treatment may reduce the burden on healthcare resources, allowing more patients to be treated. This study presents the benefits that 8-week vs 12-week treatment with G/P may have in Italy. Methods A multicohort Markov model was used to assess the collective number of healthcare visits and time on treatment with 8-week vs 12-week G/P in the HCV-infected population of Italy from 2019 to 2030, using healthcare resource data from post-marketing observational studies of G/P. Increased treatment capacity and downstream clinical and economic benefits were also assessed assuming the reallocation of saved healthcare visits to treat more patients. Results Modeled outcomes showed that by 2030, 8-week treatment saved 27,006 years on therapy compared with 12-week treatment, with 21,065 fewer hepatologist visits. Reallocating these resources to treat more patients could increase capacity to treat 5064 (1.4%) more patients with 8 weeks of G/P, all with CC. This increased treatment capacity would further avoid 2257 cases of end-stage liver disease, 893 liver-related deaths, and provide net savings to the healthcare system of nearly €70 million. Conclusion The modeled comparisons between 8- and 12-week treatment with G/P show that shorter treatment duration can lead to greater time and resource savings, both in terms of healthcare visits and downstream costs. These benefits have the potential to enable the treatment of more patients to overcome elimination barriers in Italy through programs aimed to engage and treat targeted HCV populations.
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20
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Snoswell CL, Taylor ML, Comans TA, Smith AC, Gray LC, Caffery LJ. Determining if Telehealth Can Reduce Health System Costs: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17298. [PMID: 33074157 PMCID: PMC7605980 DOI: 10.2196/17298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth represents an opportunity for Australia to harness the power of technology to redesign the way health care is delivered. The potential benefits of telehealth include increased accessibility to care, productivity gains for health providers and patients through reduced travel, potential for cost savings, and an opportunity to develop culturally appropriate services that are more sensitive to the needs of special populations. The uptake of telehealth has been hindered at times by clinician reluctance and policies that preclude metropolitan populations from accessing telehealth services. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate if telehealth reduces health system costs compared with traditional service models and to identify the scenarios in which cost savings can be realized. METHODS A scoping review was undertaken to meet the study aims. Initially, literature searches were conducted using broad terms for telehealth and economics to identify economic evaluation literature in telehealth. The investigators then conducted an expert focus group to identify domains where telehealth could reduce health system costs, followed by targeted literature searches for corresponding evidence. RESULTS The cost analyses reviewed provided evidence that telehealth reduced costs when health system-funded travel was prevented and when telehealth mitigated the need for expensive procedural or specialist follow-up by providing competent care in a more efficient way. The expert focus group identified 4 areas of potential savings from telehealth: productivity gains, reductions in secondary care, alternate funding models, and telementoring. Telehealth demonstrated great potential for productivity gains arising from health system redesign; however, under the Australian activity-based funding, it is unlikely that these gains will result in cost savings. Secondary care use mitigation is an area of promise for telehealth; however, many studies have not demonstrated overall cost savings due to the cost of administering and monitoring telehealth systems. Alternate funding models from telehealth systems have the potential to save the health system money in situations where the consumers pay out of pocket to receive services. Telementoring has had minimal economic evaluation; however, in the long term it is likely to result in inadvertent cost savings through the upskilling of generalist and allied health clinicians. CONCLUSIONS Health services considering implementing telehealth should be motivated by benefits other than cost reduction. The available evidence has indicated that although telehealth provides overwhelmingly positive patient benefits and increases productivity for many services, current evidence suggests that it does not routinely reduce the cost of care delivery for the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Centaine L Snoswell
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monica L Taylor
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tracy A Comans
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony C Smith
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Leonard C Gray
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Liam J Caffery
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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21
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Cost effectiveness of treatment models of care for hepatitis C: the South Australian state-wide experience. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 32:1381-1389. [PMID: 31895911 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The objective was to study the long-term (lifetime) cost effectiveness of four different hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment models of care (MOC) with directly acting antiviral drugs. METHODS A cohort Markov model-based probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was undertaken extrapolating to up to 30 years from cost and outcome data collected from a primary study involving a real-life Australian cohort. In this study, noncirrhotic patients treated for HCV from 1 March 2016 to 28 February 2017 at four major public hospitals and liaising sites in South Australia were studied retrospectively. The MOC were classified depending on the person providing patient workup, treatment and monitoring into MOC1 (specialist), MOC2 (mixed specialist and hepatitis nurse), MOC3 (hepatitis nurse) and MOC4 (general practitioner, GP). Incremental costs were estimated from the Medicare perspective. Incremental outcomes were estimated based on the quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained by achieving a sustained virological response. A cost-effectiveness threshold of Australian dollar 50 000 per QALY gained, the implicit criterion used for assessing the cost-effectiveness of new pharmaceuticals and medical services in Australia was assumed. Net monetary benefit (NMB) estimates based on this threshold were calculated. RESULTS A total of 1373 patients, 64% males, mean age 50 (SD ±11) years, were studied. In the CEA, MOC4 and MOC2 clearly dominated MOC1 over 30 years with lower costs and higher QALYs. Similarly, NMB was the highest in MOC4, followed by MOC2. CONCLUSION Decentralized care using GP and mixed consultant nurse models were cost-effective ways of promoting HCV treatment uptake in the setting of unrestricted access to new antivirals.
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22
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Pedrana A, Howell J, Scott N, Schroeder S, Kuschel C, Lazarus JV, Atun R, Baptista-Leite R, 't Hoen E, Hutchinson SJ, Aufegger L, Peck R, Sohn AH, Swan T, Thursz M, Lesi O, Sharma M, Thwaites J, Wilson DP, Hellard M. Global hepatitis C elimination: an investment framework. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:927-939. [PMID: 32730786 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
WHO has set global targets for the elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. However, investment in elimination programmes remains low. To help drive political commitment and catalyse domestic and international financing, we have developed a global investment framework for the elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The global investment framework presented in this Health Policy paper outlines national and international activities that will enable reductions in hepatitis C incidence and mortality, and identifies potential sources of funding and tools to help countries build the economic case for investing in national elimination activities. The goal of this framework is to provide a way for countries, particularly those with minimal resources, to gain the substantial economic benefit and cost savings that come from investing in hepatitis C elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophia Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christian Kuschel
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo Baptista-Leite
- Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ellen 't Hoen
- Global Health Unit, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Medicines Law & Policy, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lisa Aufegger
- Centre for Health Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Raquel Peck
- World Hepatitis Alliance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia/amfAR-Foundation for AIDS Research Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tracy Swan
- Independent consultant, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Thursz
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Manik Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - John Thwaites
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute and ClimateWorks Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David P Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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23
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Kim HS, Guerrero R, Reader SW, Daheri M, Balakrishnan M, Troisi CL, El-Serag HB, Thrift AP. Low Yield of Hepatitis C Infection in an Outreach Screening Program in Harris County, Texas. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa191. [PMID: 32665957 PMCID: PMC7336547 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A community outreach hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection screening program provided low yield of detecting HCV-infected patients, linking them to our hepatology clinic for treatment. Our data underscore that most of the yield was related to addiction centers and birth cohort; these groups should be targeted by future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-seok Kim
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rosalia Guerrero
- Management, Policy and Community Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shane W Reader
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Maya Balakrishnan
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Catherine L Troisi
- Management, Policy and Community Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aaron P Thrift
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Ledesma F, Buti M, Domínguez-Hernández R, Casado MA, Esteban R. Is the universal population Hepatitis C virus screening a cost-effective strategy? A systematic review of the economic evidence. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2020; 33:240-248. [PMID: 32510188 PMCID: PMC7374037 DOI: 10.37201/req/030.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Efficient strategies are needed in order to achieve the objective of the WHO of eradicating Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C infection can be eliminated by a combination of direct acting antiviral (DAA). The problem is that many individuals remain undiagnosed. The objective is to conduct a systematic review of the evidence on economic evaluations that analyze the screening of HCV followed by treatment with DAAs. Methods Eleven databases were performed in a 2015-2018-systematic review. Inclusion criteria were economic evaluations that included incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in terms of cost per life year gained or quality-adjusted life year. Results A total of 843 references were screened. Sixteen papers/posters meet the inclusion criteria. Ten of them included a general population screening. Other populations included were baby-boomer, people who inject drugs, prisoners or immigrants. Comparator was “standard of care”, other high-risk populations or no-screening. Most of the studies are based on Markov model simulations and they mostly adopted a healthcare payer´s perspective. ICER for general population screening plus treatment versus high-risk populations or versus routinely performed screening showed to be below the accepted willingness to pay thresholds in most studies and therefore screening plus DAAs strategy is highly cost-effective. Conclusion This systematic review shows that screening programmes followed by DAAs treatment is cost-effective not only for high risk population but for general population too. Because today HCV can be easily cured and its long-term consequences avoided, a universal HCV screening plus DAAs therapies should be the recommended strategy to achieve the WHO objectives for HCV eradication by 2030.
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Biondi MJ, Feld JJ. Hepatitis C models of care: approaches to elimination. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:165-176. [PMID: 35991853 PMCID: PMC9202783 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have an efficacy of 95% or greater, with pangenotypic options. Many regions in Canada have recently abolished the need to demonstrate fibrosis before treatment with DAAs, and several combination therapies are available under public and private insurance coverage. As a result, efforts to increase treatment are largely focused on engaging specific populations and providers. With minimal side effects and decreased need for monitoring, hepatitis C screening, linkage, and treatment can largely be done in a single setting. In this article, we highlight both Canadian and international examples of the specialist's ongoing role and discuss the task shifting of hepatitis C treatment to primary care; specialized community clinics; and mental health, corrections, addictions, and opioid substitution therapy settings. Although specialists continue to support most models of care described in the literature, we highlight the potential for non-specialist care in working toward the elimination of hepatitis C in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia J Biondi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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26
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Biondi MJ, Feld JJ. Hepatitis C models of care: approaches to elimination. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have an efficacy of 95% or greater, with pangenotypic options. Many regions in Canada have recently abolished the need to demonstrate fibrosis before treatment with DAAs, and several combination therapies are available under public and private insurance coverage. As a result, efforts to increase treatment are largely focused on engaging specific populations and providers. With minimal side effects and decreased need for monitoring, hepatitis C screening, linkage, and treatment can largely be done in a single setting. In this article, we highlight both Canadian and international examples of the specialist’s ongoing role and discuss the task shifting of hepatitis C treatment to primary care; specialized community clinics; and mental health, corrections, addictions, and opioid substitution therapy settings. Although specialists continue to support most models of care described in the literature, we highlight the potential for non-specialist care in working toward the elimination of hepatitis C in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia J Biondi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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27
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Tantillo M, Starr T, Kreipe R. The recruitment and acceptability of a project ECHO® eating disorders clinic: a pilot study of telementoring for primary medical and behavioral health care practitioners. Eat Disord 2020; 28:230-255. [PMID: 30829141 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2019.1580125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early identification and intervention are critical to prevent physical and mental health complications, chronicity, and premature death associated with eating disorders. However, primary medical and behavioral health care clinicians often do not feel confident or competent to diagnose and manage patients with eating disorders. This pilot study describes an innovative telementoring project (Project ECHO® Eating Disorders) that builds a geographically defined collaborative learning community to bridge the knowledge gap between eating disorder specialists located in eating disorder service sites and community-based practitioners, often living in remote areas. We describe the program and recruitment strategies and review baseline participant evaluation findings. Continuing Medical Education (CME) evaluation findings are presented as a measure of practitioner acceptability and satisfaction. Content analysis of CME participant evaluation comments provides an understanding of the impact of the program on participant knowledge and intended practice changes. We end with implications for training, practice, and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Tantillo
- Western NY Comprehensive Care Center (WNYCCCED) and Project ECHO® Eating, Disorders Clinic, University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, USA
| | - Taylor Starr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, USA.,Associate Medical Director, WNYCCCED and Project ECHO® Eating Disorders Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Richard Kreipe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, USA.,Medical Director, WNYCCCED and Project ECHO® Eating Disorders Clinic, Rochester, USA
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Mukhtar NA, Ness EM, Jhaveri M, Fix OK, Hart M, Dale C, Pratt C, Kowdley KV. Epidemiologic features of a large hepatitis C cohort evaluated in a major health system in the western United States. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:360-365. [PMID: 31053542 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Real-world epidemiologic data to guide hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related public health initiatives are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of a large cohort of patients with an HCV diagnosis evaluated in one of the largest health systems in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS De-identified demographic and clinical data were extracted from the electronic health record for patients actively followed within the Providence Health & Services health care system. Rates of HCV prevalence and co-morbid illnesses among HCV-infected patients were determined. RESULTS Among 2,735,511 active patients, 23,492 (0.86%) were found to have evidence of HCV infection, the majority of which were Caucasian (78.2%) and born between the years 1945 and 1965 (68.3%). In comparison to Caucasians, higher rates of HCV infection were found among Native Americans (2.5% vs. 0.95%, p<0.001). Compared to HCV-negative patients, a greater proportion of HCV-positive patients had diabetes mellitus (18.7 vs. 8.9%, p<0.0001), chronic kidney disease (4.4 vs. 1.8%, p<0.0001), end-stage renal disease necessitating hemodialysis (2.6 vs. 0.6%, p<0.0001), and HIV co-infection (2.4 vs. 0.2, p<0.0001). Nearly two-thirds (62.1%) of HCV patients had government-sponsored insurance, and 93.0% of treated patients resided in urban settings. CONCLUSION The prevalence of HCV infection in this large health care system serving the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and California was lower than prior population-based estimates and may reflect real-world prevalence rates among patients not selected for risk-based screening. Native Americans are disproportionately affected by HCV and may warrant targeted screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nizar A Mukhtar
- Liver Care Network and Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence Health & Services, Renton, WA, USA
| | - Erik M Ness
- Liver Care Network and Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence Health & Services, Renton, WA, USA
| | - Manan Jhaveri
- Liver Care Network and Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence Health & Services, Renton, WA, USA
| | - Oren K Fix
- Liver Care Network and Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence Health & Services, Renton, WA, USA
| | - Marquis Hart
- Liver Care Network and Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence Health & Services, Renton, WA, USA
| | - Christopher Dale
- Liver Care Network and Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence Health & Services, Renton, WA, USA
| | | | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Care Network and Organ Transplant Program, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence Health & Services, Renton, WA, USA.
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Do A, Reau NS. Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Current Management and Future Directions. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:329-341. [PMID: 32140652 PMCID: PMC7049676 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen transformation in the strategies for identifying and managing viral hepatitis, most dramatically the transformation of hepatitis C virus from a mostly chronic affliction to a curable disease that is accessible to wide populations through direct-acting antiviral therapies. More recently, shifting of hepatitis C virus burden to younger patients driven by intravenous drug use has shaped screening recommendations. Future work focusing on effective screening, linkage to care, treatment initiation, and post-cure management will allow countries to work toward meeting goals of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat. Concurrently, hepatitis B virus has also seen advances in management using oral nucleos(t)ide therapies with high-resistance barriers. However, virologic cure remains elusive in the setting of viral genetic persistence within the hepatocyte nucleus, even with suppressive antiviral therapy. Future directions include a refined definition of "cure," new biomarkers, and development of therapies targeting multiple pathways in the viral pathogenic and replication pathway. Progress is additionally being made on the management of hepatitis D infection. This review summarizes the recent evolution in disease characteristics, associated affected population, and changes in our understanding of management for these infections. We also discuss future directions in the management of viral hepatitis, including discussion on issues related to management before and after antiviral therapy. Conclusion: We summarize recent advances in the identification and management of viral hepatitis, which hold the potential to markedly reduce disease burden and therefore associated liver-related complications. However further work is needed to adequately identify and manage these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Do
- Section of Digestive DiseasesDepartment of Internal MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenCT
| | - Nancy S. Reau
- Section of HepatologyRush University Medical CenterChicagoIL
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Dhiman RK, Grover GS, Premkumar M, Taneja S, Duseja A, Arora S, Rathi S, Satsangi S, Roy A. Decentralized care with generic direct-acting antivirals in the management of chronic hepatitis C in a public health care setting. J Hepatol 2019; 71:1076-1085. [PMID: 31325468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody in Punjab, India is 3.6%, with 728,000 people estimated to have viremic chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The Mukh-Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund, launched on 18th June 2016, provides no-cost generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with sofosbuvir + ledipasvir ± ribavirin or sofosbuvir + daclatasvir ± ribavirin with the goal of eliminating CHC from Punjab. We assessed the safety and efficacy of decentralized treatment of CHC in a public health care setting. METHODS Primary care providers from 3 university and 22 district hospitals were trained to provide algorithm-based DAA treatment and supervised by telehealth clinics conducted fortnightly. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on clinical and radiological evidence, including aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI ≥2.0) and FIB-4 score (>3.25), or on liver stiffness measurement ≥12.5 kPa on Fibroscan®. RESULTS We enrolled 48,088 individuals with CHC (63.8% male; mean age 42.1 years; 80.5% rural; 14.8% compensated cirrhosis; 69.9% genotype [GT] 3) between 18th June 2016 to 31st July 2018. While 36,250 (75.4%) patients completed treatment, 5,497 (11.4%) had treatment interruptions and 6,341 (13.2%) patients are currently ongoing treatment. Sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12) was achieved in 91.6% of patients per protocol, 67.6% in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, where all interruptions were treated as failures, and 91.2% in a modified ITT analysis where all patients with successful SVR12 in the interruptions arm were included as cured. SVR12 rates in patients with and without cirrhosis and GT3 versus non-GT3 were comparable. The SVR12 rate was 84.4% in patients who had treatment interruptions. CONCLUSION Decentralized care of patients with CHC using generic all-oral DAA regimens is safe and effective regardless of genotype or presence of cirrhosis. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01110447. LAY SUMMARY We assessed the safety and efficacy of public health care using no-cost all-oral generic direct-acting antiviral drugs against hepatitis C in the state of Punjab, India. The goal is elimination of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) by 2030 and involves primary care providers at 25 sites in the state. We enrolled 48,088 individuals (63.8% male; mean age 42.1 years; 80.5% rural; 14.8% compensated cirrhotic; 69.9% genotype 3) between 18th June 2016 to 31st July 2018. Cure was achieved in 91.6% of patients, demonstrating that decentralized care of CHC with generic all-oral regimens is safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India; Mukh-Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund (MMPHCRF), Punjab Government, Punjab, India; Technical Resource Group - National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), Government of India, India; Injection Safety Project, Punjab Government, Punjab, India.
| | - Gagandeep S Grover
- Hepatitis C Virus Infection State Program, Punjab, India; Mukh-Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund (MMPHCRF), Punjab Government, Punjab, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sanjeev Arora
- ECHO Institute University of New Mexico, USA, New Mexico, United States
| | - Sahaj Rathi
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sandeep Satsangi
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Akash Roy
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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Cammarota S, Citarella A, Guida A, Conti V, Iannaccone T, Flacco ME, Bravi F, Naccarato C, Piscitelli A, Piscitelli R, Valente A, Calella G, Coppola N, Parruti G. The inpatient hospital burden of comorbidities in HCV-infected patients: A population-based study in two Italian regions with high HCV endemicity (The BaCH study). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219396. [PMID: 31291351 PMCID: PMC6619769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C (HCV) is associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, and estimates of the hospitalization burden related to these comorbidities are still limited. The aim of this study is to quantify the hospitalization risk associated with comorbidities in an Italian cohort of HCV-infected patients and to assess which of these comorbidities are associated with high hospitalization resource utilization. METHODS Individuals aged 18 years and older with HCV-infection were identified in the Abruzzo's and Campania's hospital discharge abstracts during 2011-2014 with 1-year follow-up. Cardio-and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and renal disease were grouped as HCV-related comorbidities. Negative binomial models were used to compare the hospitalization risk in patients with and without each comorbidity. Logistic regression model was used to identify the characteristics of being in the top 20% of patients with the highest hospitalization costs (high-cost patients). RESULTS 15,985 patients were included; 19.9% had a liver complication and 48.6% had one or more HCV-related comorbidities. During follow-up, 36.0% of patients underwent at least one hospitalization. Liver complications and the presence of two or more HCV-related comorbidities were the major predictors of hospitalization and highest inpatient costs. Among those, patients with cardiovascular disease had the highest risk of hospitalization (Incidence Rate Ratios = 1.42;95%CI:1.33-1.51) and the highest likelihood of becoming high-cost patients (Odd Ratio = 1.37;95%CI:1.20-1.57). CONCLUSION Beyond advanced liver disease, HCV-related comorbidities (especially cardiovascular disease) are the strongest predictors of high hospitalization rates and costs. Our findings highlight the potential benefit that early identification and treatment of HCV might have on the reduction of hospitalization costs driven by extrahepatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cammarota
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology s.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Citarella
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology s.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Guida
- Directorate-General for Protection of Health, Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Conti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Teresa Iannaccone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | | | | | - Cristina Naccarato
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development “ENEA”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Piscitelli
- Specialisation School, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Piscitelli
- Specialisation School, Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Valente
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology s.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Calella
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Caserta, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giustino Parruti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
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Treatment Outcomes of Hepatitis C-Infected Patients in Specialty Clinic vs. Primary Care Physician Clinic: A Comparative Analysis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2019; 2019:8434602. [PMID: 31281352 PMCID: PMC6589298 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8434602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) provide an exceptional opportunity to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Goals We compared the treatment outcomes between specialty and primary care physician (PCP) clinics for patients treated with DAAs. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated for HCV in our PCP clinics and specialty; liver and gastroenterology clinics and gastroenterology clinics. We used the two-sided t-test and the chi-square test to compare the means of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results Data from a total of 377 patients was analyzed (PCP clinic: n = 185 and specialty clinic: n = 192). There was no significant difference between age, race, and gender. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores were comparable at baseline. Greater than 90% of the patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with no difference between the groups. Conclusions Uncomplicated patients can be treated for hepatitis C by their PCPs with DAAs with similar treatment outcomes to specialty clinics. There should be explicit guidelines on patient eligibility for treatment by PCPs vs. specialists.
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Papatheodoridis GV, Goulis J, Sypsa V, Lionis C, Manolakopoulos S, Elefsiniotis I, Anagnostou O, Tsoulas C, Hatzakis A, Dalekos GN. Aiming towards hepatitis C virus elimination in Greece. Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32:321-329. [PMID: 31263353 PMCID: PMC6595935 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2019.0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are estimated to be 74,000-134,000 patients living with chronic hepatitis C in Greece, but only 20-30% of them are aware of their disease status. In July 2017, the Hellenic National Plan for Hepatitis C was announced in alignment with the World Health Organization goals for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by the year 2030. This article discusses the epidemiology and current treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Greece. Additionally the authors propose actions on how to bring back to care diagnosed patients lost to follow up, optimize access to care for HCV-infected people who inject drugs, and increase HCV screening in the general population. The medical community in Greece can play a pivotal role in the implementation of the HCV National Plan and in the efforts to reach the goal of HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital (George V. Papatheodoridis)
| | - John Goulis
- 4 Department of Internal Medicine, Αristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School (John Goulis)
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens (Vana Sypsa, Angelos Hatzakis)
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion-Crete (Christos Lionis)
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokratio General Hospital of Athens (Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Ioannis Elefsiniotis
- Academic Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology, "Agioi Anargyroi" General and Oncology Hospital, Athens (Ioannis Elefsiniotis)
| | - Olga Anagnostou
- Greek Organisation Against Drugs (OKANA), Athens (Olga Anagnostou)
| | - Christos Tsoulas
- Medical Department, Gilead Sciences Hellas, Athens (Christos Tsoulas)
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens (Vana Sypsa, Angelos Hatzakis)
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa (George N. Dalekos), Greece
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Wu J, Zhou Y, Fu X, Deng M, Zheng Y, Tian G, Li Y, Wang C, Ding C, Ruan B, Yang S, Li L. The Burden of Chronic Hepatitis C in China From 2004 to 2050: An Individual-Based Modeling Study. Hepatology 2019; 69:1442-1452. [PMID: 30561833 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The launch of new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is expected to substantially reduce the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in China. However, the effect of these changes has not yet been modeled in China. Therefore, we aim to predict the burden of HCV-related diseases in China by simulating different scenarios that incorporate recent therapeutic advances of HCV and China's current screening strategy. We developed an individual-based microsimulation Markov model that simulated disease progression of HCV-infected patients in China from 2004 to 2050. We simulated four scenarios with different assumptions about treatment, including a natural history scenario, a pre-DAAs scenario, a DAA treatment for all patients with a METAVIR fibrosis score ≥F3 (DAAs [≥F3]) scenario, and a DAAs (≥F0) scenario. The introduction of DAAs is predicted to have great impacts on the burden of HCV in China, particularly under the DAAs (≥F0) scenario in which we rapidly expand DAAs to all HCV-infected patients (≥F0) in 2021. Under this scenario, prevalence of chronic HCV is expected to peak at 10.75 million (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.30-12.85) around 2020 and then decrease to 7.92 million (95% CI, 5.41-10.08) in 2050. Conclusion: If the future increasing burden of HCV-related diseases is to be averted, China needs to start launching the new DAA treatment and rapidly increase the number of patients treated. However, to maximize the benefits of new DAAs, expanded screening is necessary to identify more cases that require treatment in the short term. Without these changes, the HCV burden in China will remain high in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guo Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiping Li
- Zhejiang Institute of Medical-care Information Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chencheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Ruan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shigui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Cost Effectiveness of Early Treatment with Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Adolescent Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection. J Pediatr 2019; 207:90-96. [PMID: 30738661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost effectiveness of early treatment with direct-acting antiviral therapy in adolescent patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection compared with treatment deferral. STUDY DESIGN We constructed a Markov model to assess the cost effectiveness of treating a hypothetical cohort of 30 000 adolescent patients with chronic HCV at age 12 years compared with deferring treatment until adulthood from a societal perspective. Model inputs for transition probabilities, HCV treatment and medical care costs, and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) utilities were derived from the literature and wholesale acquisition estimates. Deterministic sensitivity analyses varied parameters for non-HCV medical care and treatment cost, reinfection rates, treatment uptake, disease progression, liver transplant survival, and treatment with recently approved pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents. Discounted costs and total QALYs per person were quantified after 30 years. Cost effectiveness was evaluated as the incremental change in total medical costs per QALY gained. RESULTS The incremental cost effectiveness of early treatment initiation compared with deferred treatment was approximately $27 000 per QALY gained after 30 years and considered cost effective. In a scenario analysis, hypothetical treatment initiation with currently available pangenotypic agents would be even more cost effective, ranging from $10 000 to $21 000 per QALY gained. Cost-effectiveness estimates were sensitive to variations in decompensated cirrhosis progression in adolescence, adult reinfection, and treatment uptake in adults. CONCLUSIONS Early treatment in adolescent patients with chronic HCV infection with currently available direct-acting antivirals seems to be cost effective compared with deferred treatment. Future efforts to control the HCV epidemic should include increasing the number of children treated.
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Direct-acting antiviral Therapy Is Safe and Effective in Pediatric Chronic Hepatitis C: The Public Health Perspective. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2019; 68:74-80. [PMID: 30211847 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We assessed the efficacy of decentralized public health services and safety of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in the treatment of pediatric chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in the Mukh-Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund, a public-health initiative for prevention and control of CHC in Punjab, India. METHODS Consecutive children with CHC [age ≥12 to <18 years; both treatment-naïve (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE)] were enrolled. Genotyping was not recommended for non-cirrhotic patients and were treated with sofosbuvir (SOF)+ daclatasvir (DCV) for 12 weeks, while genotyping was recommended for patients with cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis and genotype (G2) were treated with SOF+DCV+ribavirin (RBV) for 12 weeks, G3 with SOF+DCV+RBV for 24 weeks and G1, 4, 5, and 6 patients were treated with SOF+ledipasvir (LDV)+RBV for 12 weeks. Treatment duration was increased to 24 weeks if RBV was not tolerated. RESULTS In the first 16 months (June 18, 2016-October 31, 2017), 88 children (mean age 15.8 years; 69.3.3% boys, 72.3% rural) were enrolled. The mean baseline hepatitis C virus RNA log10 IU/mL was 6.0 (range 4.2-7.5 log10 IU/mL), 65.5% with G3, and 2 (2.5%) with cirrhosis. Of 57 with completed treatment, sustained virological response (SVR) 12 was achieved in 56 (98.2%). Unsafe medical practices (55.5%), IV drug abuse (11.1%), and prior surgery (2.7%) were risk-factors for transmission (n = 36). Comparable results were noted in G3 (SVR at 12 weeks [SVR12], 94.3%) versus non-G3 (SVR12, 100%; P = 0.073). No serious adverse effects like anemia and decompensation were reported. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates that the decentralized algorithm-based public-health program can ensure high efficacy (SVR12, 98.2%) and low-cost DAA-based treatment of pediatric patients with CHC.
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Buti M, Domínguez-Hernández R, Casado MÁ, Sabater E, Esteban R. Healthcare value of implementing hepatitis C screening in the adult general population in Spain. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208036. [PMID: 30485377 PMCID: PMC6261617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requires high diagnostic rates and universal access to treatment. Around 40% of infected individuals are unaware of their infection, which indicates that effective screening strategies are needed. We analyzed the efficiency (incremental cost-utility ratio, ICUR) of 3 HCV screening strategies: a) general population of adults, b) high-risk groups, and c) population with the highest anti-HCV prevalence plus high-risk groups. METHODS An analytical decision model, projecting progression of the disease over a lifetime, was used to establish the candidate population for HCV screening. HCV data were obtained from the literature: anti-HCV prevalence (0.56%-1.54%), viremic patients (31.5%), and percentage of undiagnosed persons among those with viremia (35%). It was assumed that most patients would be treated and have HCV therapy response (98% SVR); transition probabilities, utilities, and disease management annual costs were obtained from the literature. Efficiency over the life of patients under the National Health System perspective was measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and total cost (screening, diagnosis, pharmacological and disease management). A discount rate of 3% was applied to costs and outcomes. RESULTS Screening of the adult population would identify a larger number of additional chronic hepatitis C cases (N = 52,694) than screening the highest anti-HCV prevalence population plus high-risk groups (N = 42,027) or screening high-risk groups (N = 26,128). ICUR for the general population vs. high-risk groups was €8914/QALY gained per patient (€18,157 incremental cost and 2.037 QALY). ICUR for the general population vs. population with highest anti-HCV prevalence plus high-risk groups was €7,448/QALY gained per patient (€7,733 incremental cost and 1.038 QALY). These ICUR values are below the accepted efficiency threshold (€22,000-€30,000). CONCLUSION HCV screening and treatment of the general adult population is cost-effective compared to screening of high-risk groups or the population with the highest anti-HCV prevalence plus high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Buti
- Hospital General Universitario Vall d'Hebron, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Rafael Esteban
- Hospital General Universitario Vall d'Hebron, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
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Kimmel AD, Masiano SP, Bono RS, Martin EG, Belgrave FZ, Adimora AA, Dahman B, Galadima H, Sabik LM. Structural barriers to comprehensive, coordinated HIV care: geographic accessibility in the US South. AIDS Care 2018. [DOI: http://doi.org.10.1080/09540121.2018.1476656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- April D. Kimmel
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Steven P. Masiano
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Rose S. Bono
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Erika G. Martin
- Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, Albany, USA
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, Albany, USA
| | - Faye Z. Belgrave
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Adaora A. Adimora
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Hadiza Galadima
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
- Center for Health Analytics and Discovery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Sabik
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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Kimmel AD, Masiano SP, Bono RS, Martin EG, Belgrave FZ, Adimora AA, Dahman B, Galadima H, Sabik LM. Structural barriers to comprehensive, coordinated HIV care: geographic accessibility in the US South. AIDS Care 2018; 30:1459-1468. [PMID: 29845878 PMCID: PMC6150812 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1476656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Structural barriers to HIV care are particularly challenging in the US South, which has higher HIV diagnosis rates, poverty, uninsurance, HIV stigma, and rurality, and fewer comprehensive public health programs versus other US regions. Focusing on one structural barrier, we examined geographic accessibility to comprehensive, coordinated HIV care (HIVCCC) in the US South. We integrated publicly available data to study travel time to HIVCCC in 16 Southern states and District of Columbia. We geocoded HIVCCC service locations and estimated drive time between the population-weighted county centroid and closest HIVCCC facility. We evaluated drive time in aggregate, and by county-level HIV prevalence quintile, urbanicity, and race/ethnicity. Optimal drive time was ≤30 min, a common primary care accessibility threshold. We identified 228 service locations providing HIVCCC across 1422 Southern counties, with median drive time to care of 70 min (IQR 64 min). For 368 counties in the top HIV prevalence quintile, median drive time is 50 min (IQR 61 min), exceeding 60 min in over one-third of these counties. Among counties in the top HIV prevalence quintile, drive time to care is six-folder higher for rural versus super-urban counties. Counties in the top HIV prevalence quintiles for non-Hispanic Blacks and for Hispanics have >50% longer drive time to care versus for non-Hispanic Whites. Including another potential care source-publicly-funded health centers serving low-income populations-could double the number of high-HIV burden counties with drive time ≤30 min, representing nearly 35,000 additional people living with HIV with accessible HIVCCC. Geographic accessibility to HIVCCC is inadequate in the US South, even in high HIV burden areas, and geographic and racial/ethnic disparities exist. Structural factors, such as geographic accessibility to care, may drive disparities in health outcomes. Further research on programmatic policies, and evidence-based alternative HIV care delivery models improving access to care, is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- April D. Kimmel
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Steven P. Masiano
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Rose S. Bono
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Erika G. Martin
- Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, Albany, USA
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, Albany, USA
| | - Faye Z. Belgrave
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Adaora A. Adimora
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Hadiza Galadima
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
- Center for Health Analytics and Discovery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Sabik
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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Younossi Z, Papatheodoridis G, Cacoub P, Negro F, Wedemeyer H, Henry L, Hatzakis A. The comprehensive outcomes of hepatitis C virus infection: A multi-faceted chronic disease. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25 Suppl 3:6-14. [PMID: 30398294 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been revolutionized with the introduction of pangenotypic, interferon- and ribavirin-free regimens associated with high cure rates and a low side effect profile. Additionally, there is evidence that HCV cure reduces HCV complications, improves patient-reported outcomes and is cost-saving in most western countries in the long term. This is a review of the comprehensive burden of HCV and the value of eliminating HCV infection. With the introduction of the interferon-free all-oral, once a day pill treatment regimen for the cure of HCV, the potential to eliminate HCV by 2030 has become a possibility for some regions of the world. Nevertheless, there are barriers to screening, linkage to care, and treatment in many countries that must be overcome in order to reach this goal. In conclusion, globally, work must continue to ensure national policies are in place to support screening, linkage to care and affordable treatment in order to eliminate HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair Younossi
- Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia.,Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Georgios Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens Laiko, Athens, Greece
| | - Patrice Cacoub
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, AP HP Hôpital La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 7087, INSERM UMR S-959, DHU I2B, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Linda Henry
- Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Disease, Washington D.C
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association, L-2453 , Luxembourg
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Zuckerman A, Carver A, Chastain CA. Building a Hepatitis C Clinical Program: Strategies to Optimize Outcomes. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 10:431-446. [PMID: 30524209 PMCID: PMC6244618 DOI: 10.1007/s40506-018-0177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW An increasing number of specialists and non-specialists are developing clinical programs to treat and cure hepatitis C virus (HCV). The goal of this paper is to evaluate and describe optimal strategies to improve outcomes related to HCV care delivery. RECENT FINDINGS Screening and diagnosis of HCV should be guided by established recommendations. Given the recognized disparity in HCV diagnosis and linkage to care, a multi-modal approach involving care coordination and technology resources should be used to improve patient engagement. Access to HCV treatment may be optimized through systematic documentation, prior authorization, and appeal processes. Treatment monitoring should emphasize medication adherence, side effect and drug interaction management, as well as elimination of practical barriers. Finally, post-treatment engagement to promote liver health and reduce the risk of complications or reinfection maximizes the benefit of HCV treatment. SUMMARY The landscape of HCV treatment has evolved from a specialist-driven model with few patients qualifying for treatment to an opportunity for non-specialists and other providers to provide curative therapies in most patients. Innovative practice models that employ a multidisciplinary approach will likely improve screening, diagnosis, engagement, and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn Zuckerman
- Specialty Pharmacy Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Alicia Carver
- Specialty Pharmacy Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Cody A. Chastain
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, A2200 MCN, 1161 21st Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-2605 USA
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Espinosa C, Jhaveri R, Barritt AS. Unique Challenges of Hepatitis C in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Clin Ther 2018; 40:1299-1307. [PMID: 30107999 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis C, a chronic disease with deadly consequences, is no longer predominantly a disease of older people. METHODS A limited search was conducted of the relevant literature on 2 topics: (1) the impact of hepatitis C on infants exposed by vertical transmission; and (2) the impact of hepatitis C infection on infected children and adolescents. The findings were supplemented by the first-hand experience of the authors. FINDINGS Young people, including women of childbearing age, infants, children, and adolescents, are being especially affected by hepatitis C infection secondary to the intravenous drug use and opioid epidemic. Unfortunately, estimates of disease in young populations are all misleading because universal screening has not been implemented. IMPLICATIONS Lack of implementation of policies for screening and therapy on most affected populations will be responsible for perpetuation of this infection. In the era of highly effective therapy and a regimen that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for children, this outcome is unacceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Espinosa
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
| | - Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - A Sidney Barritt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Lim JK. Expanding Capacity to Treat Hepatitis C: Overcoming Barriers and New Innovations. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2018; 17:83-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s11901-018-0400-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2025]
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Soriano V, Tefferi A. Prevention of liver cancer with new curative hepatitis C antivirals: Real-world challenges. Cancer 2018; 124:1647-1649. [PMID: 29486060 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Soriano
- Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ayalew Tefferi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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