Concurrent group treatment programme has advantages
Background
The rate of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is high among injection drug users. Although effective therapies for HCV infection are available, uptake is low among drug users due to a complex combination of factors including mistrust of the healthcare system. This paper presents the results of an initiative aiming to overcome the barriers to care.
“The CGT model may be effective in overcoming barriers to treatment and improving adherence and outcomes among patients enrolled in drug treatment programs.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23036920
Source
The rate of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is high among injection drug users. Although effective therapies for HCV infection are available, uptake is low among drug users due to a complex combination of factors including mistrust of the healthcare system. This paper presents the results of an initiative aiming to overcome the barriers to care.
- The 42 patients included in the study had history of heroin addiction, 26 of whom were participating in a methadone maintenance treatment programme.
- Patients were treated for HCV in a concurrent group treatment (CGT) programme which was offered as an alternative to individual therapy.
- The CGT involved group sessions, with a minimum of 4 participants, which included administration of interferon injections, a physical examination, and meditation. During sessions treatment experience and advice were shared.
- Most (89%) of patients attended all CGT sessions during the first 12 weeks of treatment.
- Of the first 27 patients enrolled, a sustained viral response was achieved in 42%.
- At 24 weeks, 87% of genotype-1 infected patients had achieved an undetectable viral load.
“The CGT model may be effective in overcoming barriers to treatment and improving adherence and outcomes among patients enrolled in drug treatment programs.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23036920
Source
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