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Ackerman M, Holmes CS, Antigua JR, Riback LR, Zhang C, Walker JG, Vickerman P, Travers A, Linder M, Day R, Fox AD, Cunningham CO, Akiyama MJ. Mitigation through on-site testing & education among formerly incarcerated individuals against Covid-19 - The MOSAIC study: Design and rationale. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 136:107406. [PMID: 38097063 PMCID: PMC11055630 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many of the largest COVID-19 outbreaks in the United States have occurred at carceral facilities. Criminal legal system (CLS)-involved individuals typically face structural barriers accessing medical care post-release. Improving COVID-19 testing and education for CLS-involved individuals could improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population and the communities to which they return. Community-based organizations (CBO) and community health workers (CHWs) fill care gaps by connecting CLS-involved individuals with essential re-entry services. The MOSAIC study will: 1) test an onsite CHW-led SARS-CoV-2 testing and education intervention in a reentry CBO and 2) model the cost-effectiveness of this intervention compared to standard care. METHODS We will recruit 250 CLS-involved individuals who have left incarceration in the prior 90 days. Participants will be randomized to receive onsite Point-of-Care testing and education (O-PoC) or Standard of Care (SoC). Over one year, participants will complete quarterly questionnaires and biweekly short surveys through a mobile application, and be tested for SARS-CoV-2 quarterly, either at the CBO (O-PoC) or an offsite community testing site (SoC). O-PoC will also receive COVID-19 mitigation counseling and education from the CHW. Our primary outcome is the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 tests performed with results received by participants. Secondary outcomes include adherence to mitigation behaviors and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. DISCUSSION The MOSAIC study will offer insight into cost effective strategies for SARS-CoV-2 testing and education for CLS-involved individuals. The study will also contribute to the growing literature on CHW's role in health education, supportive counseling, and building trust between patients and healthcare organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Ackerman
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Connor S Holmes
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Jordy Rojas Antigua
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Lindsey R Riback
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Josephine G Walker
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Ann Travers
- The Fortune Society, 2976 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States of America
| | - Micaela Linder
- The Fortune Society, 2976 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States of America
| | - Ronald Day
- The Fortune Society, 2976 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States of America
| | - Aaron D Fox
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Chinazo O Cunningham
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Matthew J Akiyama
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America.
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Celeste-Villalvir A, Wilkerson JM, Markham C, Rodriguez L, Schick V. A qualitative investigation of organizational challenges and facilitators to screening individuals experiencing homelessness for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Houston, Texas. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273302. [PMID: 35994438 PMCID: PMC9394822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals experiencing homelessness may be at a disproportionately high risk for hepatitis C (HCV) because they may be more likely to engage in HCV risk behaviors. Community organizations that provide services to these vulnerable individuals can effectively screen, diagnose, and navigate them into HCV care. However, screening people experiencing homelessness for HCV at such organizations is limited by various challenges that remain understudied, including budgetary considerations and strategies to improve teamwork and communication. Accordingly, this study investigated the organizational challenges and facilitators to HCV screening of individuals experiencing homelessness as reported by homeless services providers. Methods Staff (N = 21) at two community organizations in Houston, Texas, completed an interviewer-administered survey and a semi-structured interview in August 2020 to assess the challenges and facilitators to screening people experiencing homelessness for HCV. Interviews were coded, and a thematic analysis was conducted to identify challenges as well as facilitators to HCV screening among individuals experiencing homelessness. Results Almost half of participants were employed in social services (42.86%; n = 9), while the remainder were employed in management/administration and health services. Barriers to HCV screening included funding, logistics, and resource-related challenges; and limited communication and collaboration around HCV screening. Facilitators to HCV screening included providing HCV education and training for all staff; and incentivizing, formalizing, and funding HCV screening. Conclusions Community organizations can help minimize barriers to HCV screening among individuals experiencing homelessness by providing staff with training specific to HCV, client education around HCV and the screening process, and providing clients with incentives for participation, as well as by maximizing community and clinic partnerships to provide linkage to care and services to this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alane Celeste-Villalvir
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Division of Management, Policy and Community Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - J. Michael Wilkerson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christine Markham
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Vanessa Schick
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health, Division of Management, Policy and Community Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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The Cost-Effectiveness of HIV/STI Prevention in High-Income Countries with Concentrated Epidemic Settings: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2279-2298. [PMID: 35034238 PMCID: PMC9163023 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03583-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this scoping review is to establish the state of the art on economic evaluations in the field of HIV/STI prevention in high-income countries with concentrated epidemic settings and to assess what we know about the cost-effectiveness of different measures. We reviewed economic evaluations of HIV/STI prevention measures published in the Web of Science and Cost-Effectiveness Registry databases. We included a total of 157 studies focusing on structural, behavioural, and biomedical interventions, covering a variety of contexts, target populations and approaches. The majority of studies are based on mathematical modelling and demonstrate that the preventive measures under scrutiny are cost-effective. Interventions targeted at high-risk populations yield the most favourable results. The generalisability and transferability of the study results are limited due to the heterogeneity of the populations, settings and methods involved. Furthermore, the results depend heavily on modelling assumptions. Since evidence is unequally distributed, we discuss implications for future research.
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Martel-Laferrière V, Feaster DJ, Metsch LR, Shackman BR, Loignon C, Nosyk B, Tookes H, Behrends CN, Arruda N, Adigun O, Goyer ME, Kolber MA, Mary JF, Rodriguez AE, Yanez IG, Pan Y, Khemiri R, Gooden L, Sako A, Bruneau J. M 2HepPrEP: study protocol for a multi-site multi-setting randomized controlled trial of integrated HIV prevention and HCV care for PWID. Trials 2022; 23:341. [PMID: 35461260 PMCID: PMC9034074 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use is escalating in North America and comes with a multitude of health consequences, including HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreaks among persons who inject drugs (PWID). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HCV treatment regimens have transformative potential to address these co-occurring epidemics. Evaluation of innovative multi-modal approaches, integrating harm reduction, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), PrEP, and HCV treatment is required. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an on-site integrated care model where delivery of PrEP and HCV treatment for PWID takes places at syringe service programs (SSP) and OAT programs compared with referring PWID to clinical services in the community through a patient navigation model and to examine how structural factors interact with HIV prevention adherence and HCV treatment outcomes. Methods The Miami-Montreal Hepatitis C and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis trial (M2HepPrEP) is an open-label, multi-site, multi-center, randomized, controlled, superiority trial with two parallel treatment arms. A total of 500 persons who injected drugs in the prior 6 months and are eligible for PrEP will be recruited in OAT clinics and SSP in Miami, FL, and Montréal, Québec. Participants will be randomized to either on-site care, with adherence counseling, or referral to off-site clinics assisted by a patient navigator. PrEP will be offered to all participants and HCV treatment to those HCV-infected. Co-primary endpoints will be (1) adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis medication at 6 months post-randomization and (2) HCV sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks post-treatment completion among participants who were randomized within the HCV stratum. Up to 100 participants will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview regarding perceptions of adherence barriers and facilitators, after their 6-month assessment. A simulation model-based cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed to determine the comparative value of the strategies being evaluated. Discussion The results of this study have the potential to demonstrate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of offering PrEP and HCV treatment in healthcare venues frequently attended by PWID. Testing the intervention in two urban centers with high disease burden among PWID, but with different healthcare system dynamics, will increase generalizability of findings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03981445. Trial registry name: Integrated HIV Prevention and HCV Care for PWID (M2HepPrEP). Registration date: June 10, 201. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | - Lisa R Metsch
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Bruce R Shackman
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | | | | | - Hansel Tookes
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | - Nelson Arruda
- Direction régionale de la santé publique de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Eve Goyer
- Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Iveth G Yanez
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Yue Pan
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, USA
| | - Rania Khemiri
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lauren Gooden
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Aïssata Sako
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
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Koo V, Tian F, Wong WWL. Cost-effectiveness analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) point-of-care assay for HCV screening. Liver Int 2022; 42:787-795. [PMID: 34847288 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to pose significant public health concerns with approximately 44% of chronically infected Canadians undiagnosed. The current HCV screening in Canada is a two-step diagnosis pathway consisting of anti-HCV testing and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) testing. The introduction of HCV point-of-care assays, such as the Xpert HCV viral load finger-stick assay, can facilitate HCV RNA diagnosis during a single visit and provide quick linkage to care. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of HCV point-of-care testing compared with current HCV screening strategies for injection drug users (IDUs) from a Canadian provincial Ministry of Health perspective. METHODS A state-transition model based on published literature was developed to compare HCV point-of-care assay with the standard-of-care blood screening for a one-time HCV screening and treatment program. It adopted a lifetime time horizon and included health states related to treatment, fibrosis stages, and advanced liver disease clinical states. Outcomes were expressed in costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the model. RESULTS HCV point-of-care assay generated an additional 0.035 QALYs/person at a cost reduction of $21.15 compared with the standard-of-care screening. The results were the most sensitive to the specificity of HCV point-of-care assay. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of HCV point-of-care screening in Canada is likely to be cost-saving for IDUs. Early detection and treatment of undiagnosed individuals can prolong people's life span and save healthcare costs associated with HCV-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Koo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Feng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - William W L Wong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Paper microfluidic implementation of loop mediated isothermal amplification for early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6994. [PMID: 34848705 PMCID: PMC8632961 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27076-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The early diagnosis of active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant barrier to the treatment of the disease and to preventing the associated significant morbidity and mortality seen, worldwide. Current testing is delayed due to the high cost, long turnaround times and high expertise needed in centralised diagnostic laboratories. Here we demonstrate a user-friendly, low-cost pan-genotypic assay, based upon reverse transcriptase loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). We developed a prototype device for point-of-care use, comprising a LAMP amplification chamber and lateral flow nucleic acid detection strips, giving a visually-read, user-friendly result in <40 min. The developed assay fulfils the current guidelines recommended by World Health Organisation and is manufactured at minimal cost using simple, portable equipment. Further development of the diagnostic test will facilitate linkage between disease diagnosis and treatment, greatly improving patient care pathways and reducing loss to follow-up, so assisting in the global elimination strategy. Current HCV nucleic acid-based diagnosis is largely performed in centralised laboratories. Here, the authors present a pan-genotypic RNA assay, based on reverse transcriptase loop mediated isothermal amplification and develop a low-cost prototype paper-based lateral flow device for point-of-care use, providing a visually read result within 40 min.
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Lazarus JV, Øvrehus A, Demant J, Krohn-Dehli L, Weis N. The Copenhagen test and treat hepatitis C in a mobile clinic study: a protocol for an intervention study to enhance the HCV cascade of care for people who inject drugs (T'N'T HepC). BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039724. [PMID: 33168560 PMCID: PMC7654134 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Injecting drug use is the primary driver of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Europe. Despite the need for more engagement with care, people who inject drugs (PWID) are hard to reach with HCV testing and treatment. We initiated a study to evaluate the efficacy for testing and linkage to care among PWID consulting peer-based testing at a mobile clinic in Copenhagen, Denmark. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this intervention study, we will recruit participants at a single community-based, peer-run mobile clinic. In a single visit, we will first offer participants a point-of-care HCV antibody test, and if they test positive, then they will receive an HCV RNA test. If they are HCV-RNA+, we will administer facilitated referrals to designated 'fast-track' clinics at a hospital or an addiction centre for treatment. The primary outcomes for this study are the number of tested and treated individuals. Secondary outcomes include individuals lost at each step in the care cascade. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The results of this study could provide a model for targeting PWID for HCV testing and treatment in Demark and other settings, which could help achieve WHO HCV elimination targets. The Health Research Ethics Committee of Denmark and the Danish Data Protection Agency confirmed (December 2018/January 2019) that this study did not require their approval. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Victor Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anne Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Louise Krohn-Dehli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Windsor LC, Pinto RM, Lee CA. Interprofessional collaboration associated with frequency of life-saving links to HIV continuum of care services in the urban environment of Newark, New Jersey. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:1014. [PMID: 33160344 PMCID: PMC7648428 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05866-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV continuum of care has been used as a strategy to reduce HIV transmission rates, with timely engagement in HIV testing being the first and most critical step. This study examines interprofessional-collaboration (IPC) after controlling for agency/ provider demographics, provider training and self-efficacy as a significant predictor of how frequently HIV service providers link their clients to HIV testing. METHODS Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of IPC on links to HIV testing while controlling for demographic and agency information, provider training, and standardized measures of providers' feelings, attitudes, and opinions about IPC. Cross-sectional data from 142 providers in 13 agencies offering treatment and prevention services for HIV and substance-use disorders were collected via a survey. RESULTS Those who scored higher on the IPC scale reported significantly higher rates of linkages to HIV testing. Compared to the null model (i.e., no predictor model), the final multilevel binary logistic regression model showed a significantly improved likelihood of linkage to HIV testing by 11.4%, p. < .05. The final model correctly classified 90.2% of links to HIV testing. Providers in agencies with smaller budgets and in agencies offering substance use disorder services were more likely to link clients to HIV testing. Younger providers who received HIV training were also more likely to link clients to HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest IPC training as a potential strategy to improve linkages to HIV testing for clients at risk for HIV infection. Future research is recommended to identify specific areas of IPC that might have differential effects on links to HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carol Ann Lee
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W. Nevada Street, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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Assoumou SA, Nolen S, Hagan L, Wang J, Eftekhari Yazdi G, Thompson WW, Mayer KH, Puro J, Zhu L, Salomon JA, Linas BP. Hepatitis C Management at Federally Qualified Health Centers during the Opioid Epidemic: A Cost-Effectiveness Study. Am J Med 2020; 133:e641-e658. [PMID: 32603791 PMCID: PMC8041089 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic has been associated with an increase in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have a high burden of hepatitis C disease and could serve as venues to enhance testing and treatment. METHODS We estimated clinical outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C testing and treatment at US FQHCs using individual-based simulation modeling. We used individual-level data from 57 FQHCs to model 9 strategies, including permutations of HCV antibody testing modality, person initiating testing, and testing approach. Outcomes included life expectancy, quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), hepatitis C cases identified, treated and cured; and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULTS Compared with current practice (risk-based with laboratory-based testing), routine rapid point-of-care testing initiated and performed by a counselor identified 68% more cases after (nonreflex) RNA testing in the first month of the intervention and led to a 17% reduction in cirrhosis cases and a 22% reduction in liver deaths among those with cirrhosis over a lifetime. Routine rapid testing initiated by a counselor or a clinician provided better outcomes at either lower total cost or at lower cost per QALY gained, when compared with all other strategies. Findings were most influenced by the proportion of patients informed of their anti-HCV test results. CONCLUSIONS Routine anti-HCV testing followed by prompt RNA testing for positives is recommended at FQHCs to identify infections. If using dedicated staff or point-of-care testing is not feasible, then measures to improve immediate patient knowledge of antibody status should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A Assoumou
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA.
| | - Shayla Nolen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA
| | - Liesl Hagan
- Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Jianing Wang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA
| | | | - William W Thompson
- Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA; Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | - Benjamin P Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, MA
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Xiao Y, Thompson AJ, Howell J. Point-of-Care Tests for Hepatitis B: An Overview. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102233. [PMID: 33023265 PMCID: PMC7650625 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the heavy disease burden posed by hepatitis B, around 90% of people living with hepatitis B are not diagnosed globally. Many of the affected populations still have limited or no access to essential blood tests for hepatitis B. Compared to conventional blood tests which heavily rely on centralised laboratory facilities, point-of-care testing for hepatitis B has the potential to broaden testing access in low-resource settings and to engage hard-to-reach populations. Few hepatitis B point-of-care tests have been ratified for clinical use by international and regional regulatory bodies, and countries have been slow to adopt point-of-care testing into hepatitis B programs. This review presents currently available point-of-care tests for hepatitis B and their roles in the care cascade, reviewing evidence for testing performance, utility, acceptability, costs and cost-effectiveness when integrated into hepatitis B diagnosis and monitoring programs. We further discuss challenges and future directions in aspects of technology, implementation, and regulation when adopting point-of-care testing in hepatitis B programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinzong Xiao
- Burnet Institute, 3004 Melbourne, VIC, Australia;
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, 3065 Fitzroy, VIC, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, 3065 Fitzroy, VIC, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet Institute, 3004 Melbourne, VIC, Australia;
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, 3065 Fitzroy, VIC, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 3004 Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Bundling Rapid Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Testing to Increase Receipt of Test Results: A Randomized Trial. Med Care 2020; 58:445-452. [PMID: 32040038 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overlapping human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemics disproportionately affect people with substance use disorders. However, many people who use substances remain unaware of their infection(s). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of an on-site bundled rapid HIV and HCV testing strategy in increasing receipt of both HIV and HCV test results. RESEARCH DESIGN Two-armed randomized controlled trial in substance use disorder treatment programs (SUDTP) in New York City. Participants in the treatment arm were offered bundled rapid HIV and HCV tests with immediate results on-site. Participants in the control arm were offered the standard of care, that is, referrals to on-site or off-site laboratory-based HIV and HCV testing with delayed results. PARTICIPANTS A total of 162 clients with unknown or negative HIV and HCV status. MEASURES The primary outcome was the percentage of participants with self-reported receipt of HIV and HCV test results at 1-month postrandomization. RESULTS Over half of participants were Hispanic (51.2%), with 25.3% being non-Hispanic black and 17.9% non-Hispanic white. Two thirds were male, and 54.9% reported injection as method of drug use. One hundred thirty-four participants (82.7%) completed the 1-month assessment. Participants in the treatment arm were more likely to report having received both test results than those in the control arm (69% vs. 19%, P<0.001). Seven participants in the treatment arm received a preliminary new HCV diagnosis, versus 1 in the control arm (P=0.029). CONCLUSION Offering bundled rapid HIV and HCV testing with immediate results on-site in SUDTPs may increase awareness of HIV and HCV infection among people with substance use disorders.
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Jalali A, Ryan DA, McCollister KE, Marsch LA, Schackman BR, Murphy SM. Economic evaluation in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network: Past, present, and future. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 112S:18-27. [PMID: 32220406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Economic evaluations provide evidence that informs stakeholders on how to efficiently allocate real and financial healthcare resources. The purpose of this study was to review and discuss the integration of economic evaluations into the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) since its inception, as well as expectations for the future of this relationship. A systematic review was performed on published and planned CTN economic evaluations in the CTN dissemination library and PubMed. The well-established Drummond checklist was used to evaluate the comprehensiveness and methodological rigor of published articles. One hundred thirty-eight ancillary, follow-up, or original protocols were reviewed, and 78 potentially relevant published articles were identified. A total number of 14 protocols included an economic evaluation. Of these, 6 protocols were completed, 2 were reported as active, and 6 were reported as in-development at the time of this review. Of the 78 published articles, 9 met the inclusion criteria. As gauged by the Drummond checklist, the quality of CTN published economic evaluations were found to improve over time, and recent published articles were identified as guides to cutting-edge economic research. As the CTN continues to grow and mature, it is imperative that high-quality economic evaluations are incorporated alongside trials in order to maximize the public health impact of the CTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jalali
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Danielle A Ryan
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn E McCollister
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lisa A Marsch
- Center for Technology and Behavioral Health, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Morgan TR. Hepatitis C Guidance 2019 Update: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases-Infectious Diseases Society of America Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Hepatology 2020; 71:686-721. [PMID: 31816111 PMCID: PMC9710295 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 449] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Chief of Hepatology Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System Long Beach CA
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14
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Krauth C, Rossol S, Ortsäter G, Kautz A, Krüger K, Herder B, Stahmeyer JT. Elimination of hepatitis C virus in Germany: modelling the cost-effectiveness of HCV screening strategies. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:1019. [PMID: 31791253 PMCID: PMC6889318 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4524-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C is a major public health burden. With new interferon-free direct-acting agents (showing sustained viral response rates of more than 98%), elimination of HCV seems feasible for the first time. However, as HCV infection often remains undiagnosed, screening is crucial for improving health outcomes of HCV-patients. Our aim was to assess the long-term cost-effectiveness of a nationwide screening strategy in Germany. METHODS We used a Markov cohort model to simulate disease progression and examine long-term population outcomes, HCV associated costs and cost-effectiveness of HCV screening. The model divides the total population into three subpopulations: general population (GEP), people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), with total infection numbers being highest in GEP, but new infections occurring only in PWIDs and MSM. The model compares four alternative screening strategies (no/basic/advanced/total screening) differing in participation and treatment rates. RESULTS Total number of HCV-infected patients declined from 275,000 in 2015 to between 125,000 (no screening) and 14,000 (total screening) in 2040. Similarly, lost quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were 320,000 QALYs lower, while costs were 2.4 billion EUR higher in total screening compared to no screening. While incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) increased sharply in GEP and MSM with more comprehensive strategies (30,000 EUR per QALY for total vs. advanced screening), ICER decreased in PWIDs (30 EUR per QALY for total vs. advanced screening). CONCLUSIONS Screening is key to have an efficient decline of the HCV-infected population in Germany. Recommendation for an overall population screening is to screen the total PWID subpopulation, and to apply less comprehensive advanced screening for MSM and GEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Krauth
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Siegbert Rossol
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | - Kathrin Krüger
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Jona Theodor Stahmeyer
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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15
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Duchesne L, Hejblum G, Toure Kane NC, Njouom R, Toni TD, Moh R, Sylla B, Rouveau N, Attia A, Lacombe K. Model-based cost-effectiveness estimates of testing strategies for diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection in people who use injecting drugs in Senegal. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 75:102613. [PMID: 31786434 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scaling-up the access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostics for people who use injecting drugs (PWID) is essential to reduce the HCV incidence in low and middle-income countries. METHODS A decision tree model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of 12 strategies for diagnosing HCV in Senegal with a health sector perspective. Strategies included HCV-Ab screening and confirmation of viraemia (based on HCV-RNA or HCV core antigen detection) or only the latter step. Laboratory assays and decentralized tools (point-of-care (POC) tests and dried blood spot (DBS) samples) were included. The base-case assumed a 38.9% seroprevalence, as reported in the PWID population of Dakar. RESULTS Compared to the cheapest strategy (POC HCV-Ab followed by POC HCV-RNA (S5)), one strategy remained un-dominated in the base-case: POC HCV-Ab followed by venepuncture-based laboratory HCV-RNA (S3). Above a lost to follow-up testing rate of 2.3%, combining POC HCV-Ab with HCV-RNA on DBS (S4) became more cost-effective than S3. Above this threshold, a single-step POC HCV-RNA (S12) was also found un-dominated (ICER to S5=€3,297.50). S5, S12 and S4 cost €14.21, €17.03 and €36.55/screened individual. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (€/additional true positive case) were 2,164.82 (S12 versus S5) and 3,297.50 (S4 versus S12). Whenever HCV seroprevalence reached 55.5%, S12 became more cost-effective than S5. Moreover, S4 required a budget 2 to 2.5 times higher than S5 or S12 for diagnosing 90% of HCV-infected PWID in Dakar. CONCLUSION A two-step POC-based strategy (S5) would be the most cost-effective option among those proposed in this study for diagnosing HCV in PWID in Senegal. This study illustrates how the lack of secure financing and of data on PWID in LMICs, render difficult to identify the most sustainable strategy in those countries, as well as its implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Duchesne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F75012, Paris, France.
| | - Gilles Hejblum
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F75012, Paris, France
| | | | - Richard Njouom
- Pasteur Center of Cameroun, Virology Department, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Thomas-D'aquin Toni
- Centre de Diagnostic et de Recherches sur le SIDA (CeDReS), Treichville CHU, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Raoul Moh
- Programme PAC-CI, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Unité Pédagogique de Dermatologie et Infectiologie, UFR SMA, Université FHB, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Nicolas Rouveau
- International Research and Collaboration unit, ANRS, Paris, France
| | - Alain Attia
- Yopougon CHU, Service d'Hépatologie, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F75012, Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, F75012, Paris, France
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16
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Barocas JA, Tasillo A, Eftekhari Yazdi G, Wang J, Vellozzi C, Hariri S, Isenhour C, Randall L, Ward JW, Mermin J, Salomon JA, Linas BP. Population-level Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Expanding the Recommendation for Age-based Hepatitis C Testing in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 67:549-556. [PMID: 29420742 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend one-time hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for persons born 1945-1965 and targeted testing for high-risk persons. This strategy targets HCV testing to a prevalent population at high risk for HCV morbidity and mortality, but does not include younger populations with high incidence. To address this gap and improve access to HCV testing, age-based strategies should be considered. Methods We used a simulation of HCV to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HCV testing strategies: 1) standard of care (SOC) - recommendation for one-time testing for all persons born 1945-1965, 2) recommendation for one-time testing for adults ≥40 years (≥40 strategy), 3) ≥30 years (≥30 strategy), and 4) ≥18 years (≥18 strategy). All strategies assumed targeted testing of high-risk persons. Inputs were derived from national databases, observational cohorts and clinical trials. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life expectancy, costs, and cost-effectiveness. Results Expanded age-based testing strategies increased US population lifetime case identification and cure rates. Greatest increases were observed in the ≥18 strategy. Compared to the SOC, this strategy resulted in an estimated 256,000 additional infected persons identified and 280,000 additional cures at the lowest cost per QALY gained (ICER = $28,000/QALY). Conclusions In addition to risk-based testing, one-time HCV testing of persons 18 and older appears to be cost-effective, leads to improved clinical outcomes and identifies more persons with HCV than the current birth cohort recommendations. These findings could be considered for future recommendation revisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Barocas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Abriana Tasillo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Jianing Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Claudia Vellozzi
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan Hariri
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cheryl Isenhour
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - John W Ward
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jonathan Mermin
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Benjamin P Linas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, Atlanta, Georgia.,Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
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17
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Cox J, Gutner C, Kronfli N, Lawson A, Robbins M, Nientker L, Ostawal A, Barber T, Croce D, Hardy D, Jessen H, Katlama C, Mallolas J, Rizzardini G, Alcorn K, Wohlfeiler M, Le Fevre E. A need for implementation science to optimise the use of evidence-based interventions in HIV care: A systematic literature review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220060. [PMID: 31425524 PMCID: PMC6699703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve health outcomes in people living with HIV, adoption of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) using effective and transferable implementation strategies to optimise the delivery of healthcare is needed. ViiV Healthcare's Positive Pathways initiative was established to support the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals. A compendium of EBIs was developed to address gaps within the HIV care continuum, yet it was unknown whether efforts existed to adapt and implement these EBIs across diverse clinical contexts. Therefore, this review sought to report on the use of implementation science in adapting HIV continuum of care EBIs. A systematic literature review was undertaken to summarise the evaluation of implementation and effectiveness outcomes, and report on the use of implementation science in HIV care. Ten databases were reviewed to identify studies (time-period: 2013-2018; geographic scope: United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Australia and Europe; English only publications). Studies were included if they reported on people living with HIV or those at risk of acquiring HIV and used interventions consistent with the EBIs. A broad range of study designs and methods were searched, including hybrid designs. Overall, 118 publications covering 225 interventions consistent with the EBIs were identified. These interventions were evaluated on implementation (N = 183), effectiveness (N = 81), or both outcomes (N = 39). High variability in the methodological approaches was observed. Implementation outcomes were frequently evaluated but use of theoretical frameworks was limited (N = 13). Evaluations undertaken to assess effectiveness were inconsistent, resulting in a range of measures. This review revealed extensive reporting on implementation science as defined using evaluation outcomes. However, high variability was observed in how implementation outcomes and effectiveness were defined, quantified, and reported. A more specific and consistent approach to conducting and reporting on implementation science in HIV could facilitate achievement of UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Nadine Kronfli
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anna Lawson
- ViiV Healthcare, London, England, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Tristan Barber
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Hardy
- Whitman-Walker Centre, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Keith Alcorn
- NAM publications, London, England, United Kingdom
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18
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Edmunds BL, Miller ER, Tsourtos G. The distribution and socioeconomic burden of Hepatitis C virus in South Australia: a cross-sectional study 2010-2016. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:527. [PMID: 31068170 PMCID: PMC6505114 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6847-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is a communicable disease of increasing global importance with 1.75 million new infections and 400,000 related deaths annually. Until recently, treatment options have had low uptake and most infected people remain untreated. New Direct Acting Antiviral medications can clear the virus in around 95% of cases, with few side-effects. These medications are restricted in most countries but freely accessible in Australia, yet most people still remain untreated. This study applies a cross-sectional research design to investigate the socio-spatial distribution of HCV in South Australia, to identify vulnerable populations, and examine epidemiological factors to potentially inform future targeted strategies for improved treatment uptake. Method HCV surveillance data were sourced from South Australia’s Communicable Diseases Control Branch and socio-economic population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics from January 2010 to December 2016 inclusive. HCV cases were spatially mapped at postcode level. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of demographic risks for HCV notification and notification source. Results HCV notifications (n = 3356) were seven times more likely to be from people residing in the poorest areas with high rates of non-employment (75%; n = 1876) and injecting drug use (74%; n = 1862) reported. Notifications among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were around six times that of non-Indigenous people. HCV notifications negatively correlated (Spearman’s rho − 0.426; p < 0.001) with socio-economic status (residential postcode socio-economic resources Index). History of imprisonment independently predicted HCV diagnoses in lesser economically-resourced areas (RR1.5; p < 0.001). Independent predictors of diagnosis elsewhere than in general practices were non-employment (RR 4.6; p = 0.028), being male (RR 2.5; p < 0.001), and younger than mean age at diagnosis (RR 2.1; p = 0.006). Conclusions Most people diagnosed with HCV were from marginalised sub-populations. Given general practitioners are pivotal to providing effective HCV treatment for many people in Australia a most concerning finding was that non-employed people were statistically less likely to be diagnosed by general practitioners. These findings highlight a need for further action aimed at improving healthcare access and treatment uptake to help reduce the burden of HCV for marginalised people, and progress the vision of eliminating HCV as a major public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Ruth Miller
- Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, 5001, South Australia.
| | - George Tsourtos
- Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, 5001, South Australia
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Schackman BR, Gutkind S, Morgan JR, Leff JA, Behrends CN, Delucchi KL, McKnight C, Perlman DC, Masson CL, Linas BP. Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C screening and treatment linkage intervention in US methadone maintenance treatment programs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 185:411-420. [PMID: 29477574 PMCID: PMC5889754 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a hepatitis C (HCV) screening and active linkage to care intervention in US methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients using data from a randomized trial conducted in New York City and San Francisco. METHODS We used a decision analytic model to compare 1) no intervention; 2) HCV screening and education (control); and 3) HCV screening, education, and care coordination (active linkage intervention). We also explored an alternative strategy wherein HCV/HIV co-infected participants linked elsewhere. Trial data include population characteristics (67% male, mean age 48, 58% HCV infected) and linkage rates. Data from published sources include treatment efficacy and HCV re-infection risk. We projected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and lifetime medical costs using an established model of HCV (HEP-CE). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are in 2015 US$/QALY discounted 3% annually. RESULTS The control strategy resulted in a projected 35% linking to care within 6 months and 31% achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). The intervention resulted in 60% linking and 54% achieving SVR with an ICER of $24,600/QALY compared to no intervention from the healthcare sector perspective and was a more efficient use of resources than the control strategy. The intervention had an ICER of $76,500/QALY compared to the alternative strategy. From a societal perspective, the intervention had a net monetary benefit of $511,000-$975,600. CONCLUSIONS HCV care coordination interventions that include screening, education and active linkage to care in MMT settings are likely cost-effective at a conventional $100,000/QALY threshold for both HCV mono-infected and HIV co-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Sarah Gutkind
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Jared A Leff
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kevin L Delucchi
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Courtney McKnight
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - David C Perlman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carmen L Masson
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
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20
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Nosyk B, Min JE, Krebs E, Zang X, Compton M, Gustafson R, Barrios R, Montaner JSG. The Cost-Effectiveness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing and Treatment Engagement Initiatives in British Columbia, Canada: 2011-2013. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:765-777. [PMID: 29028964 PMCID: PMC5850008 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recognition of the secondary preventive benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has mobilized global efforts to "seek, test, treat, and retain" people living with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]/AIDS (PLHIV) in HIV care. We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of a set of HIV testing and treatment engagement interventions initiated in British Columbia, Canada, in 2011-2013. Methods Using a previously validated dynamic HIV transmission model, linked individual-level health administrative data for PLHIV, and aggregate-level HIV testing data, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of primary care testing (hospital, emergency department [ED], outpatient), ART initiation, and ART retention initiatives vs a counterfactual scenario that approximated the status quo. HIV incidence, mortality, costs (in 2015$CDN), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated. Analyses were executed over 5- to 25-year time horizons from a government-payer perspective. Results ED testing was the best value at $30216 per QALY gained and had the greatest impact on incidence and mortality among PLHIV, while ART initiation provided the greatest QALY gains. The ART retention initiative was not cost-effective. Delivered in combination at the observed scale and sustained throughout the study period, we estimated a 12.8% reduction in cumulative HIV incidence and a 4.7% reduction in deaths among PLHIV at $55258 per QALY gained. Results were most sensitive to uncertainty in the number of undiagnosed PLHIV. Conclusions HIV testing and ART initiation interventions were cost-effective, while the ART retention intervention was not. Developing strategies to reengage PLHIV lost to care is a priority moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Nosyk
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
| | - Jeong E Min
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
| | | | - Xiao Zang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
| | - Miranda Compton
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Reka Gustafson
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rolando Barrios
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julio S G Montaner
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
- Division of AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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21
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Assoumou SA, Tasillo A, Leff JA, Schackman BR, Drainoni ML, Horsburgh CR, Barry MA, Regis C, Kim AY, Marshall A, Saxena S, Smith PC, Linas BP. Cost-Effectiveness of One-Time Hepatitis C Screening Strategies Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Primary Care Settings. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:376-384. [PMID: 29020317 PMCID: PMC5848253 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High hepatitis C virus (HCV) rates have been reported in young people who inject drugs (PWID). We evaluated the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of testing among youth seen in communities with a high overall number of reported HCV cases. Methods We developed a decision analytic model to project quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs (2016 US$), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of 9 strategies for 1-time testing among 15- to 30-year-olds seen at urban community health centers. Strategies differed in 3 ways: targeted vs routine testing, rapid finger stick vs standard venipuncture, and ordered by physician vs by counselor/tester using standing orders. We performed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) to evaluate uncertainty. Results Compared to targeted risk-based testing (current standard of care), routine testing increased the lifetime medical cost by $80 and discounted QALYs by 0.0013 per person. Across all strategies, rapid testing provided higher QALYs at a lower cost per QALY gained and was always preferred. Counselor-initiated routine rapid testing was associated with an ICER of $71000/QALY gained. Results were sensitive to offer and result receipt rates. Counselor-initiated routine rapid testing was cost-effective (ICER <$100000/QALY) unless the prevalence of PWID was <0.59%, HCV prevalence among PWID was <16%, reinfection rate was >26 cases per 100 person-years, or reflex confirmatory testing followed all reactive venipuncture diagnostics. In PSA, routine rapid testing was the optimal strategy in 90% of simulations. Conclusions Routine rapid HCV testing among 15- to 30-year-olds may be cost-effective when the prevalence of PWID is >0.59%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A Assoumou
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Abriana Tasillo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
| | - Jared A Leff
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford
| | - C Robert Horsburgh
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - M Anita Barry
- Infectious Disease Bureau, Boston Public Health Commission
| | - Craig Regis
- Infectious Disease Bureau, Boston Public Health Commission
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Alison Marshall
- Boston College Connell School of Nursing
- STD/HIV Prevention Center of New England, Jamaica Plain
- South Boston Community Health Center
| | | | - Peter C Smith
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health
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22
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Morgan JR, Servidone M, Easterbrook P, Linas BP. Economic evaluation of HCV testing approaches in low and middle income countries. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:697. [PMID: 29143681 PMCID: PMC5688403 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2779-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a major public health burden with diverse epidemics worldwide, but at present, only a minority of infected persons have been tested and are aware of their diagnosis. The advent of highly effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, which is becoming available at increasingly lower costs in low and middle income countries (LMICs), represents a major opportunity to expand access to testing and treatment. However, there is uncertainty as to the optimal testing approaches and who to prioritize for testing. We undertook a narrative review of the cost-effectiveness literature on different testing approaches for chronic hepatitis C infection to inform decision-making and formulation of recommendations in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) viral hepatitis testing guidelines. Methods We undertook a focused search and narrative review of the literature for cost effectiveness studies of testing approaches in three main groups:- 1) focused testing of specific high-risk groups (defined as those who are part of a population with higher seroprevalence or who have a history of exposure or high-risk behaviours); 2) “birth cohort” testing among easily identified age groups (i.e. specific birth cohorts) known to have a high prevalence of HCV infection; and 3) routine testing in the general population. Articles included were those published in PubMed, written in English and published after 2000. Results We identified 26 eligible studies. Twenty-four of them were from Europe (n = 14) or the United States (n = 10). There was only one study from a LMIC (Egypt) and this evaluated general population testing. Thirteen studies evaluated focused testing among specific groups at high risk for HCV infection, including nine in persons who inject drugs (PWID); five among people in prison, and one among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Eight studies evaluated birth cohort testing, and five evaluated testing in the general population. Most studies were based on a one-time testing intervention, but in one study testing was undertaken every 5 years and in another among HIV-infected MSM there was more frequent testing. Comparators were generally either: 1) no testing, 2) the status quo, or 3) multiple different strategies. Overall, we found broad agreement that focused testing of high risk groups such as persons who inject drugs and men who have sex with men was cost-effective, as was birth cohort testing. Key drivers of cost-effectiveness were the prevalence of HCV infection in these groups, efficacy and cost of treatment, stage of disease and linkage to care. The evidence for routine population testing was mixed, and the cost-effectiveness depends largely on the prevalence of HCV. Conclusions The evidence base for different HCV testing approaches in LMICs is limited, minimizing the contribution of cost-effectiveness data alone to decision-making and recommendations on testing approaches in the 2017 WHO viral hepatitis testing guidelines. Overall, the guidelines recommended focused testing in high risk-groups, particularly PWID, prisoners, and men who have sex with men; with consideration of two other approaches:- birth cohort testing in those countries with epidemiological evidence of a significant birth cohort effect; and routine access to testing across the general population in those countries with a high HCV seroprevalence above 2% - 5% in the general population. Further implementation research on different testing approaches is needed in order to help guide national policy planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake R Morgan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Maria Servidone
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 725 Albany St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Benjamin P Linas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 725 Albany St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Jovanovic MR, Miljatovic A, Puskas L, Kapor S, Puskas DL. Does the Strategy of Risk Group Testing for Hepatitis C Hit the Target? Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:437. [PMID: 28713277 PMCID: PMC5492802 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the European Union, it is estimated that there are 5.5 million individuals with chronic infection of hepatitis C. Intravenous drug abuse is undoubtedly the key source of the hepatitis C epidemic in Europe and the most efficient mode of transmission of HCV infections (primarily due to short incubation time, but also because the virus is introduced directly into the blood stream with the infected needle). Potentially high-risk and vulnerable populations in Europe (and the world) include immigrants, prisoners, sex workers, men having sex with men, individuals infected with HIV, psychoactive substance users etc. Since there is a lack of direct evidence of clinical benefits of HCV testing, decisions related to testing are made based on indirect evidence. Clinical practice has shown that HCV antibody tests are mostly adequate for identification of HCV infection, but the problem is that this testing strategy does not hit the target. As a result of this health care system strategy, a large number of infected patients remain undetected or they are diagnosed late. There is only a vague link between screening and treatment outcomes since there is a lack of evidence on transmission risks, multiple causes, risk behavior, ways of reaching screening decisions, treatment efficiency, etc. According to results of limited number of studies it can be concluded that there is a need to develop targeted programmes for detection of HCV and other infections, but there also a need to decrease potential harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana R. Jovanovic
- Psychiatric Clinic, Clinical Center KragujevacKragujevac, Serbia
- Department for Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of KragujevacKragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - Laslo Puskas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of BelgradeBelgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Kapor
- Faculty of Medicine, University of BelgradeBelgrade, Serbia
| | - Dijana L. Puskas
- Faculty of Special Rehabilitation and Education, University of BelgradeBelgrade, Serbia
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24
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Guo Y, Sims OT. HCV Health Policy Developments in Response to the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan: A Brief Update. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 32:77-81. [PMID: 27459698 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2016.1188745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) kills 366,000 people worldwide and 17,000 people in the United States each year. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a national viral hepatitis action plan to control and combat HCV in the United States. This article provides a brief update of HCV health policy developments that have emerged since publication of HHS's national viral hepatitis action plan and concludes with a discussion of the public health impact of these recent HCV health policy developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Guo
- a The University of Alabama, School of Social Work , Tuscaloosa , Alabama , USA
| | - Omar T Sims
- b Department of Social Work , College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
- c Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health , The University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
- d Center for AIDS Research, The University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
- e Center for Comprehensive Healthy Aging, The University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
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25
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Leidner AJ, Chesson HW, Spradling PR, Holmberg SD. Assessing the Effect of Potential Reductions in Non-Hepatic Mortality on the Estimated Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Treatment in Early Stages of Liver Disease. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2017; 15:65-74. [PMID: 27480538 PMCID: PMC5802335 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-016-0261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most cost-effectiveness analyses of hepatitis C (HCV) therapy focus on the benefits of reducing liver-related morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to assess how cost-effectiveness estimates of HCV therapy can vary depending on assumptions regarding the potential impact of HCV therapy on non-hepatic mortality. METHODS We adapted a state-transition model to include potential effects of HCV therapy on non-hepatic mortality. We assumed successful treatment could reduce non-hepatic mortality by as little as 0 % to as much as 100 %. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were computed comparing immediate treatment versus delayed treatment and comparing immediate treatment versus non-treatment. RESULTS Comparing immediate treatment versus delayed treatment, when we included a 44 % reduction in non-hepatic mortality following successful HCV treatment, the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained by HCV treatment fell by 76 % (from US$314,100 to US$76,900) for patients with no fibrosis and by 43 % (from US$62,500 to US$35,800) for patients with moderate fibrosis. Comparing immediate treatment versus non-treatment, assuming a 44 % reduction in non-hepatic mortality following successful HCV treatment, the incremental cost per QALY gained by HCV treatment fell by 64 % (from US$186,700 to US$67,300) for patients with no fibrosis and by 27 % (from US$35,000 to US$25,500) for patients with moderate fibrosis. CONCLUSION Including reductions in non-hepatic mortality from HCV treatment can have substantial effects on the estimated cost-effectiveness of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Leidner
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop G-37, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Harrell W Chesson
- Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Philip R Spradling
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop G-37, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Scott D Holmberg
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop G-37, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
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26
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Easterbrook PJ. Who to test and how to test for chronic hepatitis C infection - 2016 WHO testing guidance for low- and middle-income countries. J Hepatol 2016; 65:S46-S66. [PMID: 27641988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Testing and diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the gateway for access to both treatment and prevention services, and crucial for an effective hepatitis epidemic response. In contrast to HIV, a systematic approach to hepatitis C testing has been fragmented and limited to a few countries, and there remains a large burden of undiagnosed cases globally. Key challenges in the current hepatitis testing response, include lack of simple, reliable, and low cost diagnostic tests, laboratory capacity, and testing facilities; inadequate data to guide country-specific hepatitis testing approaches and who to test; stigmatization and social marginalization of some groups with or at risk of viral hepatitis; and lack of international or national guidelines on hepatitis testing for resource-limited settings. New tools to support the hepatitis global response include the 2016 Global Hepatitis Health Sector Strategy which include targets for testing and diagnosis, and World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 hepatitis testing guidelines for adults, adolescents, and children in low- and middle-income countries. The testing guidance complements recent published WHO guidance on the prevention, care and treatment of chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection. These testing guidelines outline the public health approach to strengthening and expanding current testing practices for HCV and HBV and address what serological and virological assays to use, and who to test, as well as interventions to promote linkage to prevention and care after testing. They are intended for use across all age groups and populations. See boxes for key recommendations. Future directions and innovations in viral hepatitis testing include use of point-of-care assays for nucleic acid testing (NAT) and core antigen; validation of dried blood spots specimens with different commercial serological and NAT assays; multiplex and polyvalent platforms for integrated testing of HIV, HBV and HCV; and potential for self-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa J Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
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- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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27
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Frimpong JA, D'Aunno T, Helleringer S, Metsch LR. Spillover effects of HIV testing policies: changes in HIV testing guidelines and HCV testing practices in drug treatment programs in the United States. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:666. [PMID: 27473519 PMCID: PMC4966765 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the extent to which state adoption of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2006 revisions to adult and adolescent HIV testing guidelines is associated with availability of other important prevention and medical services. We hypothesized that in states where the pretest counseling requirement for HIV testing was dropped from state legislation, substance use disorder treatment programs would have higher availability of HCV testing services than in states that had maintained this requirement. METHODS We analyzed a nationally representative sample of 383 opioid treatment programs from the 2005 and 2011 National Drug Abuse Treatment System Survey (NDATSS). Data were collected from program directors and clinical supervisors through telephone surveys. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to measure associations between state adoption of CDC recommended guidelines for HIV pretest counseling and availability of HCV testing services. RESULTS The effects of HIV testing legislative changes on HCV testing practices varied by type of opioid treatment program. In states that had removed the requirement for HIV pretest counseling, buprenorphine-only programs were more likely to offer HCV testing to their patients. The positive spillover effect of HIV pretest counseling policies, however, did not extend to methadone programs and did not translate into increased availability of on-site HCV testing in either program type. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight potential positive spillover effects of HIV testing policies on HCV testing practices. They also suggest that maximizing the benefits of HIV policies may require other initiatives, including resources and programmatic efforts that support systematic integration with other services and effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima A Frimpong
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 600 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Thomas D'Aunno
- Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University, 295 Lafayette Street, New York, NY, 10012, USA
| | - Stéphane Helleringer
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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28
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Sánchez-González G. The cost-effectiveness of treating triple coinfection with HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis C virus. HIV Med 2016; 17:674-82. [PMID: 27279355 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of treating patients infected with HIV and simultaneously coinfected with tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS A mathematical model for HIV coinfection with TB and HCV is introduced. The model was designed to incorporate parameters of control for the coverage of care, which makes it useful for performing cost-effectiveness analysis of public policies. A cost-effectiveness analysis of early medical care of patients with TB and HCV coinfection, with coverage of 0 (basal), 25, 50, 75 and 100%, was performed for the whole cohort of patients and a special analysis was performed in a selected population with triple infection. RESULTS The cost per resolved infection and the cost per year of life gained were found to be very cost-effective for the population with triple infection, for all different coverages. CONCLUSIONS It is known that treating patients with HIV who are coinfected with TB or HCV implies high cost and low efficacy, but it is possible that the population with triple infections could achieve important benefits in terms of years of life gained.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sánchez-González
- Immunology Division, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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29
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Hoang VP, Shanahan M, Shukla N, Perez P, Farrell M, Ritter A. A systematic review of modelling approaches in economic evaluations of health interventions for drug and alcohol problems. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:127. [PMID: 27074871 PMCID: PMC4831174 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1368-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The overarching goal of health policies is to maximize health and societal benefits. Economic evaluations can play a vital role in assessing whether or not such benefits occur. This paper reviews the application of modelling techniques in economic evaluations of drug and alcohol interventions with regard to (i) modelling paradigms themselves; (ii) perspectives of costs and benefits and (iii) time frame. Methods Papers that use modelling approaches for economic evaluations of drug and alcohol interventions were identified by carrying out searches of major databases. Results Thirty eight papers met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the cohort Markov models remain the most popular approach, followed by decision trees, Individual based model and System dynamics model (SD). Most of the papers adopted a long term time frame to reflect the long term costs and benefits of health interventions. However, it was fairly common among the reviewed papers to adopt a narrow perspective that only takes into account costs and benefits borne by the health care sector. Conclusions This review paper informs policy makers about the availability of modelling techniques that can be used to enhance the quality of economic evaluations for drug and alcohol treatment interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1368-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Phuong Hoang
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Marian Shanahan
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Nagesh Shukla
- SMART Infrastructure Facility, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Pascal Perez
- SMART Infrastructure Facility, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Alison Ritter
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
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30
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Barocas JA, Linas BP, Kim AY, Fangman J, Westergaard RP. Acceptability of Rapid Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Tests Among People Who Inject Drugs and Utilize Syringe-Exchange Programs. Open Forum Infect Dis 2016; 3:ofw075. [PMID: 27191007 PMCID: PMC4867657 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofw075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
People who inject drugs may benefit from point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing offered at syringe exchanges. We sought to understand whether this population would be willing to undergo rapid HCV testing. We found that there was broad support for rapid HCV testing, especially among younger people who inject drugs with high perceived risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Barocas
- Division of Infectious Disease , Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Division of Infectious Disease , HIV Epidemiology and Outcomes Research Unit, Boston University Medical Center , Massachusetts
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease , Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston
| | - John Fangman
- Division of Infectious Disease , Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee
| | - Ryan P Westergaard
- Departments of Medicine; Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
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31
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Hernández D, Feaster DJ, Gooden L, Douaihy A, Mandler R, Erickson SJ, Kyle T, Haynes L, Schwartz R, Das M, Metsch L. Self-Reported HIV and HCV Screening Rates and Serostatus Among Substance Abuse Treatment Patients. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:204-14. [PMID: 25952768 PMCID: PMC4637257 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Substance users are at increased risk for HIV and HCV infection. Still, many substance use treatment programs (SUTP) fail to offer HIV/HCV testing. The present secondary analysis of screening data from a multi-site randomized trial of rapid HIV testing examines self-reported HIV/HCV testing patterns and serostatus of 2473 SUTP patients in 12 community-based sites that had not previously offered on-site testing. Results indicate that most respondents screened for the randomized trial tested more than a year prior to intake for HIV (52 %) and HCV (38 %). Prevalence rates were 3.6 and 30 % for HIV and HCV, respectively. The majority of participants that were HIV (52.2 %) and HCV-positive (40.5 %) reported having been diagnosed within the last 1-5 years. Multivariable logistic regression showed that members of high-risk groups were more likely to have tested. Bundled HIV/HCV testing and linkage to care issues are recommended for expanding testing in community-based SUTP settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Hernández
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, Rm 934, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | | | - Lauren Gooden
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, Rm 934, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Antoine Douaihy
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Raul Mandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah J Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Tiffany Kyle
- The Center for Drug Free Living, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Louise Haynes
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Moupali Das
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Lisa Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, Rm 934, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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32
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Geue C, Wu O, Xin Y, Heggie R, Hutchinson S, Martin NK, Fenwick E, Goldberg D. Cost-Effectiveness of HBV and HCV Screening Strategies--A Systematic Review of Existing Modelling Techniques. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145022. [PMID: 26689908 PMCID: PMC4686364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of screening for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are generally heterogeneous in terms of risk groups, settings, screening intervention, outcomes and the economic modelling framework. It is therefore difficult to compare cost-effectiveness results between studies. This systematic review aims to summarise and critically assess existing economic models for HBV and HCV in order to identify the main methodological differences in modelling approaches. Methods A structured search strategy was developed and a systematic review carried out. A critical assessment of the decision-analytic models was carried out according to the guidelines and framework developed for assessment of decision-analytic models in Health Technology Assessment of health care interventions. Results The overall approach to analysing the cost-effectiveness of screening strategies was found to be broadly consistent for HBV and HCV. However, modelling parameters and related structure differed between models, producing different results. More recent publications performed better against a performance matrix, evaluating model components and methodology. Conclusion When assessing screening strategies for HBV and HCV infection, the focus should be on more recent studies, which applied the latest treatment regimes, test methods and had better and more complete data on which to base their models. In addition to parameter selection and associated assumptions, careful consideration of dynamic versus static modelling is recommended. Future research may want to focus on these methodological issues. In addition, the ability to evaluate screening strategies for multiple infectious diseases, (HCV and HIV at the same time) might prove important for decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Geue
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Olivia Wu
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Yiqiao Xin
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Heggie
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha K. Martin
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Goldberg
- Health Protection Scotland, NHS Health Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Pho MT, Jensen DM, Meltzer DO, Kim AY, Linas BP. Clinical impact of treatment timing for chronic hepatitis C infection: a decision model. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:630-8. [PMID: 26135026 PMCID: PMC4515086 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have led to the availability of both highly efficacious interferon-containing and interferon-sparing regimens. However, the use of such therapies faces restrictions due to high costs. For patients who are medically eligible to receive interferon, the choice between the two will likely be impacted by preferences surrounding interferon, severity of disease, coverage policies and out-of-pocket costs. We developed a decision model to quantify the trade-offs between immediate, interferon-containing therapy and delayed, interferon-free therapy for patients with chronic, genotype 1 HCV infection. We projected the quality-adjusted life expectancy stratified by the presence or absence of cirrhosis for four strategies: (i) no treatment; (ii) immediate, one-time treatment with an interferon-containing regimen; (iii) immediate treatment as above with the opportunity for retreatment in patients who fail to achieve sustained virologic response with interferon-free therapy in 1 year; and (iv) delayed therapy with interferon-free therapy in 1 year. When compared to one-time immediate treatment with the interferon-containing regimen, delayed treatment with the interferon-free regimen in 1 year resulted in longer life expectancy, with a 0.2 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) increase in noncirrhotic patients, and a 1.1 QALY increase in patients with cirrhosis. This superiority in health benefits was lost when wait time for interferon-free therapy was greater than 3-3.2 years. In this modelling analysis, interferon-free therapy resulted in superior health benefits compared to immediate therapy with interferon until wait time exceeded 3-3.2 years. Such data can inform decision-making regarding treatment initiation for HCV as healthcare financing evolves.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Pho
- Department of Medicine, Sections of Hospital Medicine and of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of ChicagoChicago, IL, USA
| | - D M Jensen
- Center for Liver Disease, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Chicago MedicineChicago, IL, USA
| | - D O Meltzer
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of ChicagoChicago, IL, USA
| | - A Y Kim
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, MA, USA
| | - B P Linas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical CenterBoston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public HealthBoston, MA, USA
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