Alice Springs

Researchers are evaluating the impact of scaling up finger-stick point-of-care testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) to improve diagnosis and treatment rates. This observational cohort study focuses on people at risk of HCV infection, including those attending services like drug treatment clinics, needle and syringe programs, prisons, mental health services, and homelessness support. The study aims to address declining treatment uptake and challenges caused by COVID-19, contributing to national efforts to eliminate HCV by 2030. Participants will be offered finger-stick point-of-care testing for HCV antibodies, with results available within 1 to 20 minutes. If the antibody test is positive, a point-of-care HCV RNA test will be done to detect active infection. Those previously infected or treated will directly receive the HCV RNA test. No treatment is provided within the study, but participants with active infection will be connected to standard care services for clinical assessment and treatment initiation. Participants attend a single visit for testing and to complete a self-administered survey. The study will monitor the proportion of participants who start HCV treatment within 12 weeks after testing positive for HCV RNA. Researchers will also link survey data to health records to assess long-term impacts of expanded HCV testing and treatment. This approach aims to improve diagnosis rates and support efforts to reduce HCV-related health burdens.

Heart Failure and valvular heart disease are major health concerns in rural and remote Australia, partly due to an aging population and the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, especially in Aboriginal communities. Access to echocardiography, the key imaging test for managing these conditions, varies widely because it relies on expert operators. This trial evaluates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to guide echocardiography for better triage and management of patients with known or suspected heart disease in these areas. The study compares AI-guided echocardiography with standard echocardiography as diagnostic tests. Using AI aims to improve image acquisition and allow remote measurement and interpretation through secure cloud storage. The trial includes approximately 1200 participants aged 40 years and older with at least one heart failure risk factor. It is conducted across multiple rural and remote sites in Australia, including locations in Alice Springs, Western New South Wales, Western Queensland, and Perth Aboriginal communities, with involvement from local hospitals and Aboriginal health partners. Participants will be screened and followed for diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction or heart valve disease over 12 months. Researchers will assess the effectiveness of AI-guided echocardiography in early detection, management, and reducing hospital admissions, while preserving functional status and quality of life. The study involves clinical outreach, community engagement, and long-term monitoring to evaluate outcomes and improve healthcare access in these regions.