Hep C research in the DTES (Join us for Research Day to hear about other research projects like this)

“Primary and Community Care are the foundation of the entire health care system.”

That’s a very powerful statement. It also happens to be the theme of the upcoming VC Research Day which is being put on jointly by Vancouver Community and the VCHRI* on November 15th.

When asked how primary and community care are the foundation of the health care system in relation to DTES clients, Dr. Susan Nouch didn’t miss a beat, “These clients are marginalized and it’s important that we meet them in their community. It’s the only point they will access care.”

Other clients could be referred to other areas in the system for follow-up care. In the case of the DTES clients, there is a high drop-off rate. In other words, they often won’t go to a secondary place for follow up. If a client in the DTES is being treated for methadone, it makes sense to integrate Hep C care at the same time – if it is required. That was the point of her research project.

“New treatments for Hep C are simple – under normal circumstances,” explains Dr. Nouch. “Clinical trials of new drugs are controlled, and the patients we see in our clinics are typically excluded. That wasn’t the case in this research.”

The research looked at three Vancouver inner-city primary care clinics over an 18 month period and evaluated outcomes of Hep C (HCV) treatment when delivered by family physicians with Hep C and addiction expertise.  “In the DTES primary care clinics we were able to keep a close eye on these clients and ensure follow-up during and after treatment, as well as provide education on reinfection,” adds Dr. Nouch.

Results of the research
Hep C treatment in the primary care setting by multidisciplinary teams including family physicians can be successful in inner-city populations. In many countries, GPs cannot prescribe these drugs. This trial showed how HCV treatment can successfully be delivered within a primary care setting using a multidisciplinary approach. The team also recognized that ongoing engagement in care with the client group is needed.

Research Day
To find out more about the kinds of research projects that are happening around VC, join us on November 15 for Vancouver Community Research Day – Celebrating and Showcasing Community Health Services Research. It will be held in the Medical Student & Alumni Centre at 2750 Heath Street on the VGH campus.

Registration for this event is required

Go to:  https://vancommresearch.vchri.ca/researchday2017 for more information. You can also contact the Vancouver Community Research Support Office at ResearchFacilitator@vch.ca.

*The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is the research arm of VCH and a health partner of UBC. Their focus is on innovation and discoveries that improve patient health, transform health systems, and directly impact health outcomes. They are a significant part of B.C.’s health research industry and a major health research institute in Canada.