Resource Details

Coordinating HCV and HIV Treatment in Primary Care

Year Developed: 44470

Resource Type: Publication.

Primary Audience: Administrative Staff Board of Directors C-Suite (CEOs, CFOs, CIO, COOs, CMOs, etc.) Clinicians Enabling Staff Outreach Staff PCAs

Language(s): English

Developed by: National Nurse-Led Consortium (NNCC) (See other resources developed by this organization).

Resource Summary: HCV and HIV are overlapping epidemics with serious clinical implications for people with HCV and HIV. Health centers are poised to prevent and treat these viral infections by understanding the implications of comorbidity and by creating a welcoming environment for those at risk for or currently diagnosed with one or both diseases. This publication provides context for the epidemics and outlines recommendations for health centers to best address them.

Resource Details: Hepatitis C is an infection caused by HCV (hepatitis C virus) that spreads through contact with the blood of a person with HCV. HCV can be a short-term illness, but for more than half of those affected by HCV, it is a chronic disease. There is currently no vaccine for HCV, and those with chronic HCV can often have no symptoms or not feel sick. Avoiding or reducing behaviors that transmit HCV and treatment of HCV – which can cure the infection within 8 to 12 weeks – can prevent onward transmission.[1] HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a chronic disease with no cure. However, receiving proper medical care can allow people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives and avoid spreading HIV to others.

Resource Topic: Clinical Issues, Emerging Issues, Promising/Best Practices, Quality, Special and Vulnerable Populations, Health Equity

Resource Subtopic: , , Patient-Centered Health Outcomes, , HIV/AIDS, Satisfaction, Impact/Outcomes, , Quality Improvement, Operational Feasibility, Implementation Feasibility.

Keywords: Patient Education, Integrated Care, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).