Elizabeth

Researchers are evaluating ways to improve hepatitis C virus HCV care in drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs in New South Wales and across Australia. The ETHOS II Project aims to develop a framework to establish HCV screening and treatment programs in these settings nationally. This collaborative research involves several health organizations and focuses on people with a history of injecting drug use or those receiving opioid substitution therapy. The study includes an intervention called campaign days where participants receive hepatitis C screening, liver fibrosis assessments using fibroscans, and clinical assessments. Participants also complete surveys and may consent to link their data with population databases. A sub-study involves collecting blood samples from some participants to evaluate new diagnostic tests for chronic HCV infection. Additionally, interviews with policymakers, clinicians, and patients will explore barriers to HCV care, and an education program will be developed to improve workforce knowledge and care quality. Participants will be recruited from drug treatment clinics, general practitioners with high case loads, and needle and syringe programs. They will undergo hepatitis C testing, fibroscans, clinical assessments, and complete questionnaires during the campaign days. Researchers will track how many participants start anti-HCV treatment each year for up to three years. The study also includes follow-up through medical record reviews to monitor outcomes and improve treatment access and delivery.