Hepatitis C patient communication source and modality preferences in the direct-acting antiviral era

Abstract

Background: Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment has improved dramatically, decision making related to treatment continues to be complex and challenging. Little data exists regarding patient information needs and preferences in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. Methods: We evaluated patient-perceived information needs and preferences when making HCV treatment decisions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two Ottawa-based sites: a hospital-located outpatient viral hepatitis clinic, and a community-based HCV patient support program. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients completed the survey: the mean age was 52.1 years (range 23 to 78), and 64% were male, 81.5% were White, 48.6% were on disability support or leave, and 60.3% had a high school education or less. Although traditional sources of health information (e.g., direct communication with health care providers) remain preferred by most, a range of preferences were reported including utilization of newer technologies (e.g., emails, text messages). The telephone was rated as the preferred method of contact for medication reminders, with daily or weekly communication reported as most helpful. White participants, those more highly educated, and those with a higher income all indicated a greater acceptability for e-mail and/or text message communication for medication and appointment reminders. Conclusions: There is no single preferred source or method of communicating with patients. These findings indicate that a tailored multi-pronged approach, including newer technologies, is more likely to effectively educate and communicate with the heterogeneous population of individuals living with HCV.

Access and Preferences for Mobile Technology among Diverse Hepatitis C Patients: Implications for Expanding Treatment Care

“…We aimed to lay the ground work for implementation and evaluation of a cell phone based application seeking to increase patient engagement and retention in care, improve treatment adherence and completion, and ultimately increase successful HCV treatment delivery. A convenience sample survey conducted at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Program (TOHVHP) from August to October 2015 determined that over 90% of TOHVHP clinic patients own a cell phone (20). We report on our formative evaluation, which systematically assessed feasibility and patient attitudes toward using mobile technology in HCV care.…”