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Abstract Details
Achieving Hepatitis C Elimination By Using Person-Centered, Nurse-Led Models of Care: A Discussion of Four International Case Studies
Jacqueline A Richmond1, Lesley Gallagher, Lucy McDonald, Margaret O'Sullivan, Christine Fitzsimmons, Alisa Pedrana
Author information
1Jacqueline A. Richmond, PhD, MPH, RN, The Burnet Institute, Disease Elimination, Prahran, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; La Trobe University, The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Lesley Gallagher, RN, Saskatchewan Infectious Disease Care Network (SIDCN), Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Pender Community Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Lucy McDonald, RN, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia. Margaret O'Sullivan, RN, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom; and Pavilions Drug & Alcohol Services, Richmond House, Brighton, United Kingdom. Christine Fitzsimmons, RN, Washington Heights CORNER Project & New York Harm Reduction Educators, New York, New York. Alisa Pedrana, PhD, The Burnet Institute, Disease Elimination, Prahran, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
Nurse-led models of care are an important strategy in the management of patients with chronic disease because of the person-centered approach that allows the needs of the individual to be prioritized and addressed in accessible settings. Hepatitis C is caused by a blood-borne virus that can cause liver disease and liver cancer; it predominantly affects marginalized populations, including people who inject drugs. Since 2013, all oral, direct-acting antiviral regimens have been available to cure hepatitis C. Nurses are well placed to be involved in the delivery of hepatitis C testing and treatment because of their extensive reach within marginalized communities and holistic approach to patient care. Four case studies of nurse-led models of care operating in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are presented to illustrate the important role nurses have in delivering accessible, person-centered hepatitis C testing and treatment. Each case study demonstrates the success of overcoming barriers to hepatitis C testing and treatment such as geographic isolation, incarceration, social marginalization, and inflexible healthcare systems. Achieving the global target to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 will require the nursing profession to embrace its role as the first point of contact to the healthcare system for many members of marginalized communities potentially at risk of hepatitis C. Nurses are well placed to reduce barriers and facilitate access to healthcare by scaling up activities focused on hepatitis C testing and treatment.