The DETECT HCV Linkage to Care Trial (DETECT HCV)
Hepatitis C

About this trial
This is an interventional health services research trial for Hepatitis C
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- ED patients who test positive for HCV antibodies
- ED patients who have discharged and confirmatory RNA result is positive
- Clinically stable per screening nurse or physician assessment
- Able to provide consent
- ED patients with untreated active HCV confirmed by the electronic medical record
Exclusion Criteria:
- Younger than 18 years of age
- Prisoners
- Pregnant women
- Individuals that live out of state
- Unable to consent for care (e.g., altered mentation, critical illness or injury)
- Non English or Spanish speaking
- Have already participated in the trial
Sites / Locations
- Denver Health Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Clinician Referral Only
Clinician Referral + Linkage Navigation
The Clinician Referral arm will serve as an "active control" and baseline standard of care. All individuals who test positive for HCV antibodies or are identified with untreated, active HCV will be informed of their result and receive the following information from their clinical care teams in the ED: (a) explanation of process and rationale for follow-up RNA testing; (b) delivery of simple posttest counseling (e.g., risk for liver disease, risks of transmission); and (c) provision of a list of insurance enrollment resources, as needed, along with (d) a list of HCV treatment providers and their contact information as provided in aftercare instructions. For new HCV diagnoses, patients will be instructed to access their electronic patient portal (MyChart) for their RNA test results or to call a designated results line. Post-testing counseling messages and follow-up instructions will be included on the patient discharge papers.
The Linkage Navigation arm will consist of an additional service layered onto clinician referral and will incorporate protocols from Antiretroviral Treatment and Access Studies (ARTAS). Individuals randomized to this intervention will be contacted by a linkage navigator either during the ED visit (if during business hours) or the following business day (if during non-business hours). If the navigator does not contact the patient at the time of ED visit, they will offer to meet with the patient in person or over the phone. For all individuals in this arm, a structured linkage navigation process will include motivational interviewing and (a) reiteration of posttest counseling messages, (b) assessment of the patient's needs for medical insurance and substance abuse treatment, c) assistance scheduling and/or rescheduling appointments for HCV treatment, and d) follow-up phone call after the first HCV treatment appointment and thereafter as needed up to 6 months after ED visit.