Theme: Models of Care Year: 2022
Background: Vulnerable and marginalized inner-city residents commonly face multiple barriers in
accessing health care including issues related to stigmatization and discrimination, especially in the
era of COVIDworld. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment uptake were significantly
impacted in British Columbia, particularly in this population.
Purpose: We describe an innovative approach to community-based care developed to facilitate
access to health care services and HCV treatment among the inner-city population of Vancouver’s
Downtown Eastside (DTES).
Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients engaged through our community
pop-up clinic (CPC) conducted in single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings in the DTES who received
HCV treatment at the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre (VIDC), between 01/21 – 01/22.
Individuals who test positive for HCV antibodies by rapid testing are consulted with a health care
provider and enrolled in a multidisciplinary program to enhance engagement and favor rapid HCV
treatment. Individuals who missed their appointments were reengaged at their SRO through our
follow-up outreach program.
Result(s): Between 01/21 – 01/22, 632 patients were tested, of whom 268 were HCV antibody
positive, 149 identified to be viremic, and 70 linked to care at VIDC. Of the 149 viremic individuals,
80 initiated HCV treatment, 34 were GT3, 5 cirrhotic, 70 treatment naïve, and 63 active fentanyl use.
To-date, 60 completed treatment, 14 remain on treatment, 30 achieved SVR12, 28 awaiting SVR12
measurement, 1 deceased prior to SVR and 1 documented virologic relapse. It is worth noting that of
the 80 who initiated HCV treatment, 32 were reengaged through our follow-up outreach program
and 47 were treated remotely with weekly updates to maximize adherence. By on treatment
analysis, SVR12 rate is 97% (30/31).
Conclusion(s): Using this innovative model of care, we have demonstrated high rates of success in
engaging the vulnerable inner-city population of Vancouver and enhancing the HCV treatment
cascade of care. Approaches to care such as ours will be necessary to link disengaged individuals to
care to achieve WHO’s mandate on HCV elimination, especially in the pandemic era.
Disclosure of Interest: B. Conway Grant / Research support for: AbbVie, Gilead, Indivior, Merck,
Sanofi Pasteur and ViiV Healthcare., L. Yamamoto: None Declared, S. Sharma: None Declared, R.
Yung: None Declared, G. Liu: None Declared, D. Truong: None Declared.