HCV Birth Cohort Screening Guideline Implementation: A Change of Practice

Objective: Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common bloodborne pathogen in the United States (CDC, 2018). U. S. Preventive Task Force recommends all people born between 1945 and 1965 be screened for HCV. The purpose of this study is to affect change of practice in a primary care setting via provision of HCV screening guideline education to providers and utilization of screening prompts at the point of care. Methods: Interventional pre-and post-test protocol. HCV education was provided, and HCV screening prompt was integrated at the point of care for patients born between 1945 to 1965. Participants completed questionnaires to determine HCV screening knowledge and perspective before and after the educational intervention. Demographic data along with pre- and post-intervention knowledge and perspectives was analyzed to determine effectiveness of educational intervention and to discover themes. Number of HCV screenings ordered during study period were compared with historical HCV screening orders. Results: Increase in HCV screening knowledge across all provider roles. Increased number of HCV screenings post education. Conclusion: Identified barriers to birth cohort screening highlight the need for a universal screening guideline