Hepatitis C viral screening in the primary care setting
Abstract
Committee Member Nature and scope of the project: In the U.S., it is estimated that 4.1 million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) (USPSTF, 2020). This quality improvement project aims to implement an evidence-based protocol using an educational session to increase HCV screenings in the primary care setting recommendations for universal screening. Synthesis and analysis of supporting literature: HCV universal screening has been endorsed by the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) as a grade B recommendation (2020). Project implementation: The key intervention includes an educational session using infographic reminders, informing providers of the recommendation rationales, how to order HCV-Ab/HCV-RNA PCR reflex serum, the cost of screening, and referral information for local specialists. Evaluation criteria: An evaluation of current practices for HCV screening and detection was measured with a baseline chart review (T1), implementation of the intervention, and follow-up chart review (T2). Outcomes: A total of 487 subjects met the criteria inclusion requirements and were included in the sample, 199 in T1 (M = 56.53, SD = 17.92) and 272 in T2 (M = 59.80, SD = 18.41). During T1, zero consented or completed the screening. During T2, 16 subjects (5.6%) consented to the screening. T2 showed a moderate statistically significant increase in consent to screening, χ2 (1) = 11.431, p < .001, ϕ = .2, 95% CI [1.603, 1.871]. During T2, 10 subjects (3.5%) completed screening. T2 showed a small to moderate statistically significant increase in completed screenings, χ2 (1) = 7.055, p = .008, ϕ = .2, 95% CI [1.590, 1.851]. One subject (0.3%) was found to be positive for HCV and was referred for treatment. When asked about HCV screening, patients were two times more likely to consent and complete the screening post-intervention. Recommendations: Implementing current guidelines through continued education can increase the number of patients screened for HCV. Future qualitative research is needed to determine the degree of impact monetary barriers have on the likeliness of patients to complete screening.
Citation
Lauren Hightower, Hepatitis C Screening in the Primary Care Setting
Rights
OpenAccess.
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