1
|
Agbali RA, Balas EA, Beltrame F, Heboyan V, De Leo G. A review of questionnaires used for the assessment of telemedicine. J Telemed Telecare 2024; 30:1636-1666. [PMID: 37032470 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231166161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telemedicine is the exchange of medical information from one site to another via electronic communications with the goal of improving a patient's clinical health status. Prior studies have identified the absence of a standardized assessment tool for evaluating telemedicine encounters. This study aims to collect and to analyze questionnaires used for the assessment of audiovisual telemedicine encounters from a patient perspective and aims to identify reasons driving the use of self-developed questionnaires. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in PubMed for studies that used survey questionnaires to assess synchronous audiovisual telemedicine encounters from 2016 to 2021. We categorized questionnaires used into validated and non-validated types, and for each of them, collected questions, response format, author, year, specialty, and country of publication. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We analyzed a total of 71 articles. We found that only 16 studies used three validated questionnaires. The remaining 55 studies used non-validated questionnaires. Non-validated questionnaires had a high variability in length and used Likert scales, binary responses, multiple choice, and open-ended answers. We found only eight studies in which the authors gave a reason for resorting to designing their own questionnaires. This review reveals insufficient standardized survey questionnaires to be used for the assessment of audiovisual telemedicine encounters. Future research initiatives should focus on developing a standardized and validated instrument well accepted by researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael A Agbali
- College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - E Andrew Balas
- College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Francesco Beltrame
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Vahe Heboyan
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Gianluca De Leo
- College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schmalstieg-Bahr K, Colombo MG, Koch R, Szecsenyi J, Völker F, Blozik EE, Scherer M. Intramural Health Care Through Video Consultations and the Need for Referrals and Hospital Admissions: Retrospective Quantitative Subanalysis of an Evaluation Study. Interact J Med Res 2024; 13:e44906. [PMID: 38941595 PMCID: PMC11245654 DOI: 10.2196/44906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In comparison to the general population, prison inmates are at a higher risk for drug abuse and psychiatric, as well as infectious, diseases. Although intramural health care has to be equivalent to extramural services, prison inmates have less access to primary and secondary care. Furthermore, not every prison is constantly staffed with a physician. Since transportation to the nearest extramural medical facility is often resource-intensive, video consultations may offer cost-effective health care for prison inmates. OBJECTIVE This study aims to quantify the need for referrals to secondary care services and hospital admissions when video consultations with family physicians and psychiatrists are offered in prison. METHODS In 5 German prisons, a mixed methods evaluation study was conducted to assess feasibility, acceptance, and reasons for conducting video consultations with family physicians and psychiatrists. This analysis uses quantitative data from these consultations (June 2018 to February 2019) in addition to data from a sixth prison added in January 2019 focusing on referral and admission rates, as well as reasons for encounters. RESULTS At the initiation of the project, 2499 prisoners were detained in the 6 prisons. A total of 435 video consultations were conducted by 12 physicians (3 female and 7 male family physicians, and 2 male psychiatrists during the study period). The majority were scheduled consultations (341/435, 78%). In 68% (n=294) of all encounters, the patient was asked to consult a physician again if symptoms persisted or got worse. In 26% (n=115), a follow-up appointment with either the video consultant or prison physician was scheduled. A referral to other specialties, most often psychiatry, was necessary in 4% (n=17) of the cases. Only in 2% (n=8) of the consultations, a hospital admission was needed. Usually, hospital admissions were the result of unscheduled consultations, and the videoconferencing system was the method of communication in 88% (n=7) of these cases, while 12% (n=1) were carried out over the phone. Reasons for admissions were severe abdominal pain, hypotension, unstable angina or suspected myocardial infarction, or a suspected schizophrenic episode. CONCLUSIONS Most scheduled and unscheduled consultations did not require subsequent patient transport to external health care providers. Using telemedicine services allowed a prompt patient-physician encounter with the possibility to refer patients to other specialties or to admit them to a hospital if necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schmalstieg-Bahr
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- A+ Videoclinic GmbH, Gräfelfing, Germany
| | - Miriam Giovanna Colombo
- Institute for General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roland Koch
- Institute for General Practice and Interprofessional Care, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Eva Elisabeth Blozik
- A+ Videoclinic GmbH, Gräfelfing, Germany
- Institute of Primary Care, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- A+ Videoclinic GmbH, Gräfelfing, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Frye K, Davis A, Darby R, McDaniel K, Quairoli K, Liu Z, Miller LS, Fluker SA. A contactless cure: Leveraging telehealth to improve hepatitis C treatment at a safety-net hospital. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:176-180. [PMID: 38369695 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes significant mortality worldwide. HCV is highly curable but access to care is limited for many patients. The Grady Liver Clinic (GLC), a primary care-based HCV clinic, utilizes a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for a medically underserved patient population in Atlanta, Georgia. The GLC added a telehealth option for HCV treatment at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe the outcomes of utilizing telehealth in this population. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who initiated HCV treatment from March 2019 to February 2020 (pre-pandemic) and March 2020 to February 2021 (pandemic). Charts were abstracted for patient demographics and characteristics, treatment regimen, and treatment outcomes. Our primary outcome was HCV cure rate of the pre-pandemic compared to the pandemic cohorts and within the different pandemic cohort visit types. We performed an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis for all patients who took at least one dose of a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regardless of therapy completion, and a per-protocol (PP) analysis of those who completed treatment and were tested for HCV cure. SVR12 rates were >95% on ITT analysis, with no significant difference between pre-pandemic and pandemic cohorts. There was also no significant difference within the pandemic group when treatment was provided traditionally, via telehealth, or via a hybrid of these. Our findings support the use of telehealth as a tool to expand access to HCV treatment in a medically underserved patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krysta Frye
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrew Davis
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Kathryn McDaniel
- Department of Pharmacy, Grady Health System, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristi Quairoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Grady Health System, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhanxu Liu
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lesley S Miller
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shelly-Ann Fluker
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Halford R, Christensen L, Cox S, Sheehan J, Brew I, Gillyon‐Powell M, Threadgold G, O'Moore É, Troke PJF, Jones A. Chronic hepatitis C elimination prison initiative: HCV-intensive test and treat, a whole prisoner population HCV test-and-treat program in England. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1724. [PMID: 38125280 PMCID: PMC10730947 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Prison residents are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV test-and-treat initiatives within prisons provide an opportunity to engage with prison residents and achieve HCV micro-elimination. The aim of the prison HCV-intensive test and treat initiative was to screen over 95% of all prison residents for HCV infection within a defined number of days determined by the size of the prison population and to initiate treatment within 7-14 days of a positive HCV RNA diagnosis. Methods An HCV-intensive test and treat toolkit was developed based on learnings from pilot HCV-intensive test and treat events. From January 2020 to September 2021, 13 HCV-intensive test and treat events took place at prisons in England selected based on high levels of reception blood-borne virus testing and good access to peers from The Hepatitis C Trust. Results Among a total of 8487 residents, 8139 (95.9%) underwent testing for HCV. Across the 13 prisons included, HCV antibody and RNA prevalence was 8.2% and 1.5%, respectively. The treatment initiation rate among HCV RNA-positive individuals (n = 124) was 79.0%. Conclusion The HCV-intensive test and treat initiative presented here provides a feasible and rapid test-and-treat process to achieve HCV elimination within individual prisons. The HCV-intensive test and treat toolkit can be adapted for rapid HCV testing and treatment events at other prisons in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
Collapse
|
5
|
Muftah AA, Banala C, Raasikh T, Jamali T, Bustamante G, Cholankeril G, Kanwal F, Flores A, Hernaez R. Telehealth interventions in patients with chronic liver diseases: A systematic review. Hepatology 2023; 78:179-194. [PMID: 36632994 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Telehealth interventions may improve access to care, disease-specific, and quality outcomes in chronic liver diseases (CLDs). We aimed to systematically evaluate outcomes of telehealth interventions in CLDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used key terms and searched PubMed/EMBASE from inception to January 10, 2022. Two authors independently screened abstracts. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. We included any type of CLD, including posttransplant patients, and extracted outcomes as defined by authors for each etiology of CLD (sustained virological response in HCV or weight loss in NAFLD). Meta-analysis was not performed because of the heterogeneity of data. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for clinical trials. RESULTS Of 4250 studies screened, 43 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 28 reported HCV treatment outcomes. All studies showed no statistically significant differences between sustained virological response rates in TH groups compared with control groups or historic cohorts. Eight studies evaluating liver transplant-related processes and outcomes demonstrated improved rates of transplant evaluation and referrals and decreased short-term readmission rates. Three randomized controlled trials and 1 observational study on NAFLD showed improved weight loss outcomes. One retrospective study showed reduced mortality risk in CLD patients with at least 1 TH encounter. CONCLUSIONS TH interventions in patients with CLDs consistently show equivalent or improved clinical outcomes compared with traditional encounters. TH in CLDs can bridge the gap in access while maintaining the quality of care for underserved populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah A Muftah
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chaitra Banala
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Taaj Raasikh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Taher Jamali
- Division of Gastroenterology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - George Cholankeril
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Avegail Flores
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruben Hernaez
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tejera-Pérez RJ, Iglesias-Gómez A, Oliva-Oliva A, Rodríguez-Alonso B, Alonso-Sardón M, Sánchez Ledesma M, Carbonell-Muñoz C, Pendones Ulerio J, Muñoz-Bellido JL, Belhassen-García M. Real-life experience of hepatitis C treatment in a Spanish prison. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2022; 35:273-278. [PMID: 35441836 PMCID: PMC9134892 DOI: 10.37201/req/001.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem that causes multiple comorbidities. People in prisons who inject intravenous drugs are at increased risk of HCV infection, and HCV infection is 15-fold more prevalent among prisoners compared with the community. The objective of this study was to analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of residents of a Spanish prison with HCV infection who received antiviral treatment. METHODS An observational, descriptive and retrospective study was performed. All patients with HCV infection diagnosed or followed up in an Infectious Diseases attached to a penitentiary were included in this study. RESULTS Of 81 patients analysed, sixty-nine (83.1%) patients were male. The mean age was 50.1 (SD8.8) years, and 70% of the inmates had a history of injection drug use. Coinfection with HIV was detected in 30%. In up to 25% of the sample, there were data on chronic liver disease in the degree of liver cirrhosis. The diagnosis of HCV infection had been made more than 15 years earlier in 28% of those studied. Decompensations from liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, or hospital admissions were exceptional. Most of the inmates with HCV accepted treatment, and approximately 94% of the patients who completed treatment achieved a sustained virological response without interactions or complications of interest. CONCLUSIONS The availability of direct-acting antivirals and their exceptional side effects constitute an opportunity to reduce the burden of HCV infection in Spain, particularly in these high-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - M Belhassen-García
- Moncef Belhassen-García Internal Medicine Service. Infectious Diseases Unit. CAUSA. IBSAL. CIETUS, Salamanca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nevola R, Rosato V, Conturso V, Perillo P, Le Pera T, Del Vecchio F, Mastrocinque D, Pappalardo A, Imbriani S, Delle Femine A, Piacevole A, Claar E. Can Telemedicine Optimize the HCV Care Cascade in People Who Use Drugs? Features of an Innovative Decentralization Model and Comparison with Other Micro-Elimination Strategies. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:805. [PMID: 35741326 PMCID: PMC9219847 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
People who use drugs (PWUDs) are a crucial population in the global fight against viral hepatitis. The difficulties in linkage to care, the low adherence to therapy, the frequent loss to follow-up and the high risk of re-infection make the eradication process of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) really hard in this viral reservoir. Several management and treatment models have been tested with the aim of optimizing the HCV care cascade in PWUDs. Models of decentralization of the care process and integration of services seem to provide the highest success rates. Giving this, telemedicine could favor the decentralization of diagnostic-therapeutic management, key for the implementation of linkage to care, reduction of waiting times, optimization of adherence and results and reduction of the costs. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the role and possible impact of telemedicine in optimizing the HCV care cascade, comparing the different care models that have shown to improve the linkage to care and therapeutic adherence in this special population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nevola
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (P.P.); (D.M.); (A.P.); (E.C.)
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Valerio Rosato
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (P.P.); (D.M.); (A.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Vincenza Conturso
- Service for Addiction, DS32, ASL Napoli 1, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.C.); (T.L.P.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Pasquale Perillo
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (P.P.); (D.M.); (A.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Teresa Le Pera
- Service for Addiction, DS32, ASL Napoli 1, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.C.); (T.L.P.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Ferdinando Del Vecchio
- Service for Addiction, DS32, ASL Napoli 1, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.C.); (T.L.P.); (F.D.V.)
| | - Davide Mastrocinque
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (P.P.); (D.M.); (A.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Annalisa Pappalardo
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (P.P.); (D.M.); (A.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Simona Imbriani
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Augusto Delle Femine
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessia Piacevole
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.I.); (A.D.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Ernesto Claar
- Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (P.P.); (D.M.); (A.P.); (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schwarz T, Horváth I, Fenz L, Schmutterer I, Rosian-Schikuta I, Mårdh O. Interventions to increase linkage to care and adherence to treatment for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs: A systematic review and practical considerations from an expert panel consultation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 102:103588. [PMID: 35101667 PMCID: PMC9005784 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following advances in treatment for hepatitis C (HCV), optimizing linkage to care and adherence to treatment of people who inject drugs became of pivotal importance. An ECDC/EMCDDA stakeholders survey in 2018 indicated that two components of the cascade of care, linkage to care and adherence to treatment, were priority areas for inclusion in the updated guidance, planned for publication in 2022. This systematic review was commissioned with the aim to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on HCV linkage to care and adherence to treatment among people who inject drugs. METHODS The full study protocol is available at PROSPERO (2020 CRD42020191116). We searched five databases to identify studies published between 2011 and 2020. Studies were included if they had a comparative study design and reported on the primary outcomes for linkage to care (visits, treatment initiation) and/or adherence to treatment (treatment adherence, treatment completion, SVR12) among people who inject drugs/people receiving opioid substitution therapy. Following the risk of bias (EPHPP) and quality of evidence assessment (GRADE), evidence to decision tables were produced and shared for critical review with an expert panel convened by ECDC and EMCDDA. The expert panel provided further considerations on the benefit, acceptability, and transferability of interventions. RESULTS Fourteen studies (using DAA therapy as well as DAA plus interferon-based therapy) met eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. Integrated care with case management, peer support, psychological interventions, contingency management, and cooperation between health care providers improved engagement in and adherence to HCV care in most studies. However, the quality of evidence was predominantly low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence suggests that integrated, people-centered approaches may improve engagement throughout the continuum of HCV care among people who inject drugs. For progressing HCV elimination efforts, interventions should be implemented in colocation with harm reduction and counselling activities and in combination with additional services, including opioid substitution treatment, directly observed therapy, peer support and/or contingency management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Schwarz
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ilonka Horváth
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Lydia Fenz
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Schmutterer
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Otilia Mårdh
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Higuera-de la Tijera F, Servín-Caamaño A, Servín-Abad L. Progress and challenges in the comprehensive management of chronic viral hepatitis: Key ways to achieve the elimination. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4004-4017. [PMID: 34326610 PMCID: PMC8311524 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i26.4004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis is a significant health problem throughout the world, which already represents high annual mortality. By 2040, chronic viral hepatitis due to virus B and virus C and their complications cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma will be more deadly than malaria, vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone, and tuberculosis altogether. In this review, we analyze the global impact of chronic viral hepatitis with a focus on the most vulnerable groups, the goals set by the World Health Organization for the year 2030, and the key points to achieve them, such as timely access to antiviral treatment of direct-acting antiviral, which represents the key to achieving hepatitis C virus elimination. Likewise, we review the strategies to prevent transmission and achieve control of hepatitis B virus. Finally, we address the impact that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had on implementing elimination strategies and the advantages of implementing telemedicine programs.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/diagnosis
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/epidemiology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/diagnosis
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/epidemiology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/diagnosis
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/epidemiology
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology
- Liver Neoplasms/prevention & control
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis Servín-Abad
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saint Cloud Hospital, Saint Cloud, MN 56303, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The impacts of and outcomes from telehealth delivered in prisons: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251840. [PMID: 33999946 PMCID: PMC8128277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the delivery of healthcare services within prison systems is underpinned by different models, access to timely and optimal healthcare is often constrained by multifaceted factors. Telehealth has been used as an alternative approach to conventional care. To date, much of the focus has been on evaluation of telehealth interventions within certain geographical contexts such as rural and remote communities. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence base to date for the impacts of, and outcomes from, telehealth delivered in prisons. METHODS This systematic review was underpinned by best practice in the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews. A systematic search was conducted to reinforce the literature selection process. The modified McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A narrative synthesis of the study outcomes was undertaken. RESULTS Twenty-nine quantitative studies were included. Telehealth interventions were greatly varied in terms of types of healthcare services, implementation process and intervention parameters. Methodological concerns such as rigour in data collection and analysis, and psychometric properties of outcome measures were commonly identified. Process-related outcomes and telehealth outcomes were the two overarching categories identified. CONCLUSION This systematic review provides mixed evidence on the impact of, and outcomes from, telehealth in prisons. While the evidence base does highlight some positive impacts of telehealth, which at the least, is as effective as conventional care while achieving patient satisfaction, it is also important to consider the local context and drivers that may influence what, when and how telehealth services are provided. Addressing critical factors throughout the lifecycle of telehealth is equally important for successful implementation and sustainability.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global public health issue that can cause both acute and chronic liver diseases. There is a high risk of HCV burden, but limited access and cost remain a challenge for proper diagnosis and treatment. Leveraging eHealth technology may indicate a viable solution for the management of HCV patients. Objective: To review the literature regarding the role of eHealth, including telemedicine, in the management of HCV. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2020 to identify different types of eHealth interventions used for the management of adult HCV patients. Our search also determined the role of telehealth for HCV patients in the current pandemic. Results: Four main categories emerged from this scoping review that includes improving treatment rates via utilizing telehealth services, satisfaction with the telehealth services, disease management, health promotion, and similarity between telehealth and traditional modalities. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that telemedicine is a cost-effective and unique platform to improve patients’ access to quality services that curb the increasing burden of this silent killer in developing countries. This modality can certainly be utilized in the current crisis to manage care for HCV patients efficiently.
Collapse
|
12
|
Doica IP, Florescu DN, Oancea CN, Turcu-Stiolica A, Subtirelu MS, Dumitra G, Rogoveanu I, Gheonea DI, Ungureanu BS. Telemedicine Chronic Viral Hepatitis C Treatment during the Lockdown Period in Romania: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3694. [PMID: 33916226 PMCID: PMC8037937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is currently delaying the process of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) eradication, since most of the chronic diseases are neglected. Thus, there is a need for alternative programs for HCV therapy implementation and disease monitoring. Our aim was to provide a multidisciplinary approach, so that HCV-infected patients from distant locations may benefit from HCV antivirals during the COVID-19 outbreak and within the lockdown period in Romania. Previously diagnosed HCV patients willing to participate in this telemedicine pilot study were included. Patient characteristics and medical adherence were assessed and compared to the year preceding the pandemic. We proposed a multidisciplinary approach by using a telemedicine program for HCV therapy monitoring. Patients also received a satisfaction questionnaire after delivering the sustained virologic response (SVR) result. A total of 41 patients agreed to participate in this study. The medication adherence was 100% for patients included in the telemedicine group, with a statistically significant difference from the medication adherence of the patients treated in 2019. The satisfaction item score was 4.92 out of 5 and our results (r = -0.94, p < 0.0001) suggested that older patients embraced the telemedicine program less, but with the same success in terms of SVR (100%) and medication adherence (100%). Our pilot study offers the first example of a telemedicine program in Romania for HCV therapeutic management. During the lockdown period, telemedicine has served as a reliable tool and novel alternative for conventional monitoring of patients treated with direct antiviral agents and should be further considered even following the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Paula Doica
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Dan Nicolae Florescu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Carmen Nicoleta Oancea
- Pharmacy I Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Gindrovel Dumitra
- Family Medicine Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Dan Ionut Gheonea
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Gastroenterology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (I.P.D.); (D.N.F.); (I.R.); (D.I.G.); (B.S.U.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Patel AA, Bui A, Prohl E, Bhattacharya D, Wang S, Branch AD, Perumalswami PV. Innovations in Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:371-386. [PMID: 33681673 PMCID: PMC7917266 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies offer hope for a cure to millions of persons living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV elimination is a global goal that will be difficult to achieve using the traditional paradigms of diagnosis and care. The current standard has evolved toward universal HCV screening and treatment, to achieve elimination goals. There are several steps between HCV diagnosis and cure with major barriers along the way. Innovative models of care can address barriers to better serve hardly reached populations and scale national efforts in the United States and abroad. Herein, we highlight innovative models of HCV care that aid in our progress toward HCV elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpan A. Patel
- Division of Digestive DiseasesDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical CenterLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Aileen Bui
- Division of General Internal MedicineDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Eian Prohl
- Division of General Internal MedicineDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Debika Bhattacharya
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical CenterLos AngelesCAUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Su Wang
- Saint Barnabas Medical CenterLivingstonNJUSA
- World Hepatitis AllianceLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrea D. Branch
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ponni V. Perumalswami
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Crespo J, Albillos A, Buti M, Calleja JL, García Samaniego J, Hernández Guerra M, Serrano T, Turnes J, Acín E, Berenguer J, Berenguer M, Colom J, Fernández I, Fernández Rodríguez C, Forns X, García F, Grandados R, Lazarus JV, Molero JM, Molina E, Pérez Escanilla F, Pineda JA, Rodríguez M, Romero M, Roncero C, Saiz de la Hoya P, Sánchez Antolín G. Elimination of hepatitis C. Positioning document of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH). REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2019; 111:862-873. [PMID: 31657609 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2019.6700/2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH) is convinced that the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Spain is possible as long as we are able to use the resources and tools necessary for it. This document reflects the position of the AEEH regarding the elimination of HCV, establishing a wide range of recommendations that can be grouped into five categories: 1) Screening of HCV according to age, of the existence of classic acquisition risk factors of infection, active search of previously diagnosed patients and development of microelimination strategies in vulnerable populations; 2) Simplification of HCV diagnosis (one-step diagnosis and diagnosis at the point of patient care); 3) Simplification of patient treatment and improvement of care circuits; 4) Health policy measures, and, finally, 5) Establishment of HCV elimination indicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Crespo
- Servicio Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39002
| | | | - María Buti
- Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Universitario Vall d´Hebron
| | | | | | | | | | - Juan Turnes
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Pontevedra
| | | | - Juan Berenguer
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. Ciberehd. Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid
| | | | | | | | | | - Xavier Forns
- Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS
| | - Federico García
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio
| | | | | | | | - Esther Molina
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago
| | | | - Juan A Pineda
- Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Valme
| | - Manuel Rodríguez
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias
| | - Manuel Romero
- Servicio Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Crespo J, Albillos A, Buti M, Calleja JL, Garcia-Samaniego J, Hernández-Guerra M, Serrano T, Turnes J, Acín E, Berenguer J, Berenguer M, Colom J, Fernández I, Fernández Rodríguez C, Forns X, García F, Granados R, Lazarus J, Molero JM, Molina E, Pérez Escanilla F, Pineda JA, Rodríguez M, Romero M, Roncero C, Saiz de la Hoya P, Sánchez Antolín G. Elimination of hepatitis C. Positioning document of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastre.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
16
|
Crespo J, Albillos A, Buti M, Calleja JL, García-Samaniego J, Hernández-Guerra M, Serrano T, Turnes J, Acín E, Berenguer J, Berenguer M, Colom J, Fernández I, Fernández Rodríguez C, Forns X, García F, Rafael Granados, Lazarus JV, Molero JM, Molina E, Pérez Escanilla F, Pineda JA, Rodríguez M, Romero M, Roncero C, Saiz de la Hoya P, Sánchez Antolín G. Elimination of hepatitis C. Positioning document of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH). GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2019; 42:579-592. [PMID: 31594683 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH) is convinced that the elimination of hepatitisC virus (HCV) in Spain is possible as long as we are able to use the resources and tools necessary for it. This document reflects the position of the AEEH regarding the elimination of HCV, establishing a wide range of recommendations that can be grouped into five categories: 1)Screening of HCV according to age, of the existence of classic acquisition risk factors of infection, active search of previously diagnosed patients and development of micro-elimination strategies in vulnerable populations; 2)Simplification of HCV diagnosis (one-step diagnosis and diagnosis at the point of patient care); 3)Simplification of patient treatment and improvement of care circuits; 4)Health policy measures, and, finally, 5)Establishment of HCV elimination indicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Crespo
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Facultad de Medicina, UNICAN, Santander, España.
| | - Agustín Albillos
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, España
| | - María Buti
- Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron y Ciberehd del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, España
| | - José Luis Calleja
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, España
| | | | | | - Trinidad Serrano
- Hospital Universitario Lozano Blesa, ISS Aragón, Zaragoza, España
| | - Juan Turnes
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, España
| | - Enrique Acín
- Área de Salud Pública, Subdirección General de Sanidad Penitenciaria, Secretaría General de II.PP. Ministerio del Interior, Madrid, España
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, Madrid, España
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital La Fe, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia y Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD) del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, España
| | - Joan Colom
- Dirección del Programa de Prevención, Control y Atención al VIH, las ITS y las Hepatitis Víricas, Subdirección general de Drogodependencias, Agencia de Salud Pública de Cataluña, Barcelona, España
| | - Inmaculada Fernández
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España
| | - Conrado Fernández Rodríguez
- Unidad de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Comité científico de la SEPD, Alcorcón, Madrid, España
| | - Xavier Forns
- Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS y CIBEREHD, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Federico García
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Instituto de Investigación Ibs Granada, Grupo de estudio de hepatitis de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (GEHEP-SEIMC), Granada, España
| | - Rafael Granados
- Hospital Universitario de Gran Canarias Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, España
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | | | - Esther Molina
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, España
| | - Fernando Pérez Escanilla
- Centro de Salud San Juan de Salamanca, Facultad de Medicina, USAL, Representante de SEMG, Salamanca, España
| | - Juan A Pineda
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Grupo para el Estudio de las Hepatitis Víricas (GEHEP) de la SEIMC, Sevilla, España
| | - Manuel Rodríguez
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España
| | - Manuel Romero
- Servicio Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Carlos Roncero
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Instituto de Biomedicina de Salamanca, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, España
| | | | | |
Collapse
|