[Hepatitis C! Experience in diagnosis and medical treatment. A literature review]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Patient Experience Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C presents multifaceted challenges, including physical, psychological, and emotional effects.
• Advanced liver disease and altered self-perception are potential consequences of chronic infection.
• While curative treatments exist, therapy can be challenging, impacting quality of life and not always achieving sustained viral response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experience of individuals with chronic hepatitis C.
• To identify key aspects requiring management during hepatitis C treatment.
• To inform patient-centered care strategies in Swiss outpatient settings.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Searches were performed in the PubMed and CINAHL databases.
• Seven qualitative studies examining patient perspectives were included.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified include diagnosis, contagion, illness perception, stigmatization, and fatigue, which are interconnected.
• Patient discussions regarding treatment decisions appear ambivalent.
• Patients report feeling defined by their disease and desire personalized interventions addressing their illness experience.

Conclusions:

• A thorough assessment of individual patient needs is essential for providing appropriate care.
• Addressing the holistic experience of chronic hepatitis C is critical for improving patient outcomes.
• Integrating patient-reported experiences into care planning can enhance self-management and treatment adherence.