The ETHOS ENGAGE study conducted by the Kirby Institute aims to improve testing accessibility and treatment outcomes of Hepatitis C in people who inject drugs. The observational cohort study collects demographic, behavioural, and clinical data.
Conducted in waves since 2018, the Australia-wide study sees researchers travel to alcohol and drug organisations and Needle and Syringe Programs to offer incentivised testing and consultations.
Participants who meet the criteria complete a short survey, have a fingerstick blood test for hepatitis C, and have a Fibroscan (a test to assess liver fibrosis) before discussing their health with a nurse or clinician.
Collaborating with Hepatitis ACT and CAHMA, the Kirby Institute conducted nearly 130 tests at various locations around the ACT over a week in late January. A program manager at Hepatitis ACT said the feedback received from participants was positive.
“Participants have expressed their appreciation for the Fibroscan, highlighting the convenience of the one-stop-shop approach. The streamlined process made it easier for individuals to access essential health services in a supportive environment.”
After noticing a steep decline in people assessing direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C virus therapies between 2016- 2020, researchers sought to remove the barriers to current testing methods. This meant cutting back of what would normally be multiple visits to health practitioners into two tests and a clinician consult in as little as 30-45 minutes.
Increasing the understanding of the potential impact of point-of-care HCV RNA testing, financial incentives, and same-day treatment options could lead to changes in practice and policy. The Kirby Institute anticipates that the ETHOS project will translate research outcomes to inform national and international clinical guidelines, health service implementation, hepatitis strategies, and health policies.