Year-to-Year Comparison of Virginia’s Hepatitis Education and Patient Connection Referral on Release Program Outcomes for those Recently Released from Incarceration

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Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to outline the Virginia Hepatitis Education and Patient Connection. Referral on Release (HEPC-RoR. This program for increasing access to treatment for hepatitis C for those recently released from incarceration, including first-year outcomes, quality improvement practices that were implemented post first year, and second year program data. Using this information, we hope to inform organizations attempting to implement similar programs of potential challenges and corresponding solutions. Alternatively, we hope to share potential program designs for organizations that have identified a need for programs to support linkage to care for those recently released from incarcerated. Recent Findings After analyzing first-year program data, we identified areas for improvement. Based on these findings, the team implemented new processes. After a review of the second-year data, we found significant improvement in clinical data, program workflow, and data quality from the previous year. A change in workflow allowed us to collect additional correct contact data, connect more patients to care and ultimately to cure their hepatitis C. Our database, which was redesigned following year one, provided formatting changes allowing for expedited data extraction and review. The process between facilities also improved, streamlining efforts and alleviating some strain associated with limited staffing. Summary Following the review of first-year HEPC-RoR data, program strengths and weaknesses were identified, and a quality improvement plan was developed to addresses areas of need. Changes included more frequent and varied outreach, follow-ups to community partners for confirmation of appointments and lab results, and a redesigned database for more comprehensive data collection. Second-year program data found significant clinical outcomes, such as an 86.7% linkage to care rate and a 23.5% cure rate, and improved referral and database quality.