Provider reports on the ability to implement changes in practice following HIV-HCV training

The increased mortality among persons co-infected with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C (HCV) is a concern that provider training on HCV-HIV co-infection may address. Medical and behavioral health providers were given training on co-infection. This study addresses two research questions: What changes, if any, did providers seek to effect in their practice after training? Of those providers desiring change in their practice, which, if any, did they implement? Surveys indicated that 82% planned to change their practice. Of those, 51% were reached 3 months later, and of those, 86% reported having enacted a change. Qualitative analysis found that planned changes fell into two domains: HCV Education and HCV Medical Actions. The most frequently intended and enacted changes involved patient education. Barriers to enact changes included lack of colleague support for HCV treatment and inadequate access to hepatitis A/B vaccine. Training on HIV-HCV co-infection should: engage multiple providers from the same site; address HCV treatment side effects; and support systems changes targeting vaccine and testing availability. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Duke Scholars

Author Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell Duke Global Health Institute