Streamlining the Journey to a Cure: Optimizing the Hepatitis C Virus Care Cascade

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and mortality worldwide. The opioid crisis has caused a rise in injection drug use, which has contributed significantly to the increase in HCV infections. The United States experienced a 238% increase in new HCV infections between 2010 and 2016, which has led to a goal to eliminate hepatitis by treating 80% of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV by 2030. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases/Infectious Disease Society of America (AASLD/IDSA) guidelines aim to achieve this with universal, one-time screening of all individuals over 18 for HCV, with individuals at increased risk (e.g., people who inject drugs [PWID]) screened more frequently, as well as universal testing of pregnant women at the initiation of prenatal care.

Once diagnosed, treatment with currently available direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is strongly recommended for all persons with chronic HCV infection. However, recent studies have shown persistent gaps in the HCV care continuum, with underdiagnosis and undertreatment being the major barriers toward achieving the goal of eliminating HCV. With primary care clinicians and community health workers representing an important front-line resource for early screening and treatment for HCV infection, it is imperative to educate primary care providers (PCPs) and community health workers to expand the HCV workforce and linkage-to-care opportunities.

This CME Outfitters live and on-demand webcast will feature expert faculty hosting an interactive discussion on implementing HCV screening, developing new methods of coordinated care, and addressing barriers to treatment access.

At the end of this CE activity, participants should be able to:
-Implement HCV screening for all adults and at-risk populations including PWID and women who are pregnant, in alignment with AASLD guidance.
-Develop new methods of PCP/specialist coordinated care to minimize gaps in linkage to care and optimize the HCV care cascade.
-Address barriers to access to treatment, such as stigma and HCP perceptions about substance use and PWID.

The following learning objectives pertain only to those requesting CNE or CPE credit:
-Explain HCV screening guidelines for all adults and at-risk populations including PWID and women who are pregnant, in alignment with AASLD guidance.
-Identify new methods of PCP/specialist coordinated care to minimize gaps in linkage to care and optimize the HCV care cascade.
-Describe barriers to access to treatment, such as stigma and HCP perceptions about substance use and PWID.