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BMC Medicine
Published in: BMC Medicine 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Hepatitis B | Research article

Improving engagement with healthcare in hepatitis C: a randomised controlled trial of a peer support intervention

Authors: Helen R. Stagg, Julian Surey, Marie Francis, Jennifer MacLellan, Graham R. Foster, André Charlett, Ibrahim Abubakar

Published in: BMC Medicine | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Peer support can enable patient engagement with healthcare services, particularly for marginalised populations. In this randomised controlled trial, the efficacy of a peer support intervention at promoting successful engagement with clinical services for chronic hepatitis C was assessed.

Methods

In London, UK, potential participants were approached through outreach services for problematic drug use and homelessness. Individuals positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) after confirmatory testing were randomised using an online service to the intervention (peer support) or standard of care. The primary outcome of interest was successful engagement with clinical hepatitis services. The study was non-blinded. Absolute differences were calculated using a generalised linear model and the results compared to logistic regression.

Results

Three hundred sixty-four individuals consented to participate. One hundred one had chronic hepatitis C and were randomised, 63 to receive the intervention (peer support). A successful outcome was achieved by 23 individuals in this arm (36.5%) and seven (18.4%) receiving the standard of care, giving an absolute increase of 18.1% (95% confidence interval 1.0–35.2%, p value = 0.04). This was mirrored in the logistic regression (odds ratio 2.55 (0.97–6.70), p = 0.06). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Peer support can improve the engagement of patients with chronic HCV with healthcare services.

Trial registration

ISRCTN24707359. Registered 19th October 2012.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Improving engagement with healthcare in hepatitis C: a randomised controlled trial of a peer support intervention
Authors
Helen R. Stagg
Julian Surey
Marie Francis
Jennifer MacLellan
Graham R. Foster
André Charlett
Ibrahim Abubakar
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medicine / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1300-2

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