Hepatitis C and Social Work

Area of Science:

• Social Work
• Public Health
• Hepatology

Background:

• A decade has passed since the initial call for social work engagement with hepatitis C (HCV).
• Existing research highlights the extensive social impacts of living with HCV.
• Previous work identified potential roles for social work in HCV support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To strengthen the argument for increased social work and social care involvement with people affected by HCV.
• To identify specific points in the patient journey where social work support is crucial.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for social work practice in HCV care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted.
• Twenty-one participants with lived experience of HCV in the UK were interviewed.
• Participant data was used to inform the argument for social work intervention.

Main Results:

• Social work support is needed at multiple stages: pre-diagnosis, post-diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment.
• HCV presents a wide range of interconnected social issues requiring professional support.
• The study provides the first participant-driven evidence advocating for social work involvement in HCV care.

Conclusions:

• Social work and social care professionals are uniquely positioned to address the complex needs of individuals with HCV.
• Urgent expansion of social work services is necessary to effectively support the HCV community.
• Integrating social work into HCV care pathways can improve patient outcomes and well-being.