Treating Hepatitis C in a Substance Use Recovery Program: A Limited-Resource Group Model
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are increasing among people with injection drug use, and these patients face multiple barriers to treatment. A primary care clinic, the Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abuse Medical Clinic, developed and implemented a group HCV treatment model in a long-term substance use recovery program. Primary care providers at the substance use treatment program received specialized training and mentorship to care for and treat patients with HCV through the Carolina Hepatitis Academic Mentorship Program. The clinic developed a four-session group treatment model to provide treatment efficiently, with limited resources, to its primarily underinsured patient population. Through the use of patient assistance programs and the clinic's group protocol, 110 patients receiving substance use treatment were treated and cured of their HCV. Patients reported benefits from receiving HCV treatment with peers and obtaining a cure while in recovery. This type of group model may be beneficial in primary care settings serving patients with substance use disorders, in prisons, or in other substance use disorder treatment programs.
