Efforts to identify HCV antibody-positive patients in a medium-sized hospital by "Team hepatitis" composed of hospital staff with a hepatitis medical care coordinator

Abstract

It is not clear whether the intra-hospital referral (IHR) of hepatitis virus patients identified by a hepatitis screening test during hospitalization and treatment is properly performed. In April 2018, we established an original scheme to encourage referral to a hepatologist by "Team hepatitis" composed of hospital staff with a hepatitis medical care coordinator (HMCC). Hepatitis results were reported not only by a doctor but also by a nurse with an HMCC, and it was possible for these nurses to refer HCV-positive patients to a hepatologist. The IHR rates to a hepatologist significantly improved from FY2016 to FY2018. The IHR rate increased with the intervention of "Team hepatitis." Since the start of our scheme, the number of direct-acting antiviral drug (DAA) treatments has increased from 16 to 38. It is considered that identifying HCV patients by our scheme will lead to IHR, follow-up by a hepatologist, and DAA treatment.