Scaling Up Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in Canada An Observational Study of Clinical Processes, Barriers, and Implementation Strategies

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how to expand point-of-care testing for hepatitis C virus HCV among key populations in Canada. It focuses on mapping current HCV care processes, identifying challenges and supports for implementing point-of-care testing, and collaborating with stakeholders to develop practical tools and strategies. The study is observational and seeks to provide evidence to guide the future adoption and sustainability of rapid HCV testing and treatment in various settings. The study involves observing existing clinical care without directly implementing point-of-care HCV testing. It includes participants from different groups individuals at risk of HCV or attending related service sites, service providers and managers working at HCV service sites, policymakers involved in HCV testing and treatment planning, and laboratory or quality assurance professionals overseeing point-of-care testing. The research explores the feasibility, acceptability, and costs related to the use of rapid antibody and RNA tests for hepatitis C. Participants will provide insights through surveys and interviews about current HCV care, barriers and facilitators to point-of-care testing, and strategies to improve testing delivery. The study will measure outcomes like barriers and facilitators based on implementation science frameworks, acceptability and feasibility of testing strategies, and sustainability through cost analysis over one year. The involvement period varies depending on participant roles, with data collected to inform future efforts to scale up hepatitis C testing and treatment nationally.

Scaling Up Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in Canada