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Review
. 2012 Jun;57(6):1439-44.
doi: 10.1007/s10620-012-2142-3. Epub 2012 Apr 10.

Tangible resources for preparing patients for antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Jason E Bonner  1 , A Sidney Barritt 4th, Michael W Fried, Donna M Evon
Affiliations
Review

Tangible resources for preparing patients for antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Jason E Bonner et al. Dig Dis Sci. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infected patients with coexisting mental health and/or substance abuse issues face significant barriers to treatment and are often deferred. This paper sought to highlight critical pre-treatment strategies and provide tangible resources for HCV clinicians to facilitate preparation and successful treatment of these patients.

Methods: Guided by the clinical experience of our liver center, a large, tertiary academic medical center, and informed by the extant literature, we summarize pre-treatment strategies and specific resources and recommendations for HCV providers.

Results: Four key pre-treatment strategies include: 1) screening for mental health/substance abuse issues using brief, reliable and validated instruments; 2) locating and establishing collaborative care with mental health and substance abuse specialists; 3) using a motivational interviewing communication style; and 4) addressing adherence-related issues.

Conclusions: HCV clinicians are in a unique position to prepare patients with coexisting mental health and/or substance abuse issues for antiviral therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: Dr. Bonner has nothing to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Multiple barriers obstruct the pipeline at different phases along the continuum from HCV screening to HCV cure, which ultimately diminish the overall impact antiviral therapy will have on public health outcomes. Barriers related to MH/SA issues can be addressed by HCV clinicians in the time leading up to antiviral treatment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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