PIN50 - Understanding the Hepatitis C Patient Journey: Insights from a Patient Panel in the United States

Abstract

To gain a better understanding of the Hepatitis C (HCV) patient journey by gathering patients’ insights about their experience with healthcare providers, treatment successes and failures, and sources of information and support. A 20-minute, web-based survey was administered in July 2015 to 267 non-incarcerated American HCV patients within Xcenda’s Health & Lifestyle Patient Market Research Panel. Of the 50 HCV patients who completed the survey, 62% were female, 46% were unemployed, and 68% were diagnosed with HCV genotype 1. Respondents had a mean age of 57, with 40 being the mean age at diagnosis. Although 84% had private insurance, Medicare, or dual coverage, 12% ranked out-of-pocket costs as the most important attribute for new HCV treatments. Three-fourths (76%) felt they were “very knowledgeable” about HCV and nearly half (48%) participated in HCV support programs. When asked to identify the most important attribute for HCV support programs, 50% selected education on HCV and its treatments, and 33% chose communication and interaction with other HCV patients. 89% of respondents reported seeing a physician at least once a year. Of those who underwent a liver biopsy (64%), 97% knew their F-score. 61% had only one previous treatment, 21% had two, and 18% tried three or more treatments, including interferon, peginterferon, ribavirin, Sovaldi®, Harvoni®, Olysio®, and others. 96% reported being able to take all doses of their HCV medications in a typical week, 78% completed at least one full course of treatment, 84% achieved a sustained virologic response with 64% remaining free of the virus, and 50% expressed they were “extremely satisfied” with their treatment experience. HCV patients in the United States are increasingly knowledgeable and engaged in their healthcare. They often participate in support programs to gain more information on HCV and its treatments, and to be part of a shared patient experience.