From Education to Action-The Impact of Hepatitis C Micro-Elimination Education on Healthcare Provider Confidence and Linkage to Care: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Micro-elimination education can improve access to life-saving treatments for patients with hepatitis C, co-occurring mental health conditions, and alcohol and other drug use disorders. The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is disproportionately prevalent among people with mental health conditions and alcohol and other drug issues, reducing their life expectancy. Although hepatitis C is a curable condition, this population frequently remains untested and untreated. Micro-elimination programs are necessary to enhance hepatitis C virus screening and treatment rates. This study aims to evaluate the impact of micro-elimination education on healthcare providers' confidence in identifying high-risk HCV populations, conducting HCV screenings and treatments, and managing comorbid substance use disorders. Additionally, it will assess referrals to a nurse-led HCV treatment clinic.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-posttest intervention design was used. The intervention was an education program targeted at HCV micro-elimination and linkage to care.

RESULTS: Questionnaires were administered to (n = 101) healthcare providers to measure changes in confidence in screening and treating HCV in people with comorbid mental health conditions and alcohol and other drug disorders pre- and post-intervention. Pre-intervention, healthcare providers reported the highest confidence levels in treating mental health conditions. A significant increase in post-education confidence in screening and treating the HCV across all healthcare provider roles was observed (p < 0.05). Twenty-three referrals were received at the nurse-led hepatitis C virus treatment clinic, with the majority (n = 11) of referrals received from nurses.

CONCLUSION: This study underscores the significance of micro-elimination education programs in enhancing healthcare provider confidence in treating hepatitis C. Leveraging the mental health nursing workforce to connect high-risk populations with hepatitis C care will expand timely access to life-saving treatments and optimize healthcare outcomes. Targeted hepatitis C micro-elimination education will further accelerate progress toward the 2030 elimination goals, enhancing the overall well-being of vulnerable populations.