What this Trial Is About

The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled clinical trial study in an urban emergency department in Baltimore to determine the impact of an educational app which is based on Leventhal's Common-Sense Model of Illness Representations framework, on HCV-infected ED patient's hepatitis C virus (HCV) health belief and knowledge as well as the downstream outcomes of the HCV Continuum of Care (linkage to care rate, initiation of HCV antiviral treatment, and sustained virologic response). First, the investigators will develop a blueprinted prototype personalized HCV educational app which will (1) provide individualized liver fibrosis staging information, (2) pre-test HCV knowledge, perception of barriers to HCV care, and motivation to receive HCV care survey, (3) provide personalized HCV knowledge, facilitators and supporting information for HCV care via video clips and information sheets based on the pre-test results, and (4) provide post-test knowledge, perception, and motivation to receive HCV care. Second, the investigators will conduct a series of focus group discussion sessions to fine-tune the HCV educational app. Third, the investigators will enroll ED patients who have anti-HCV (newly diagnosed or previously diagnosed) but without HCV RNA testing information for a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial of the personalized HCV educational app.

Use of a Patient-Centered Electronic App to Increase ED Patient's Knowledge on HCV to Improve the HCV Care Continuum