Objective:

This presentation will consider some of the reasons for the current low uptake of Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment which has increased the burden on the medical system from Hepatitis C related liver disease. We will discuss the pros and cons of offering HCV testing, treatment, specialist referral and counselling services for clients in pharmacotherapy clinics. We consider it is vital to involve peers in this discussion and in any future planning for the inclusion of HCV related services in pharmacotherapy clinics.

Method:

The discussion will consider the results of some of the few studies regarding Hepatitis C programs within pharmacotherapy settings and describe current related projects. We will facilitate a discussion regarding some of the available evidence, the results of focus groups run by NUAA on this issue and anecdotal reports regarding some of the reasons for the relatively low uptake of treatment by people testing positive for HCV.

Results:

We will look at pharmacotherapy clinics that do offer these services and some of the reasons why so few clinics have taken up the challenge. We will also introduce findings from peer based focus groups and encourage peer discussion regarding the pros and cons of such a change.

Conclusion:

While pharmacotherapy clinics would appear to be ideally suited to provide testing, treatment, specialist referral and counselling for people with the Hepatitis C virus, there are many inherent difficulties in providing such a service; The current punitive nature of many pharmacotherapy clinics undermines trust and honesty from both clients and prescribers. Therefore it is vital to include peers in this discussion and to consider whether their exclusion from this debate has been an impediment to establishing peer friendly Hepatitis C related service delivery within a pharmacotherapy setting.