Improving Hepatitis C Screening in Vulnerable Populations

A one-time HCV test has been recommended for all individuals in the Baby Boomer generation. National data shows an increase in HCV rates among younger generations, especially those with substance use disorder. In this quality improvement project, HCV screening rates were collected and analyzed from Hudson Headwaters Health Network (HHHN) and The Ryan White Program in Glens Falls, NY. A survey was disseminated to all HHHN providers to assess current screening practices and to identify barriers to screening and strategies to increase screening. From this analysis, it was determined that HHHN would benefit from and be able to increase screening rates in at risk populations by adopting a universal HCV screening policy. Weeks after this presentation was delivered, the AMA announced it was supporting the USPSTF\u27s draft recommendation for universal HCV screening in all adults over the age of 18, in accordance with this projects conclusion.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/1658/thumbnail.jp