[Establishment and implementation of hepatitis C screening and referral channels in the hospitals]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in China faces challenges due to high screening and misdiagnosis rates.
• Low physician consultation rates for hepatitis C antibodies hinder timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Effective screening and referral pathways are needed to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent research progress on hepatitis C screening and referral within hospital settings.
• To highlight the importance of interdepartmental cooperation in establishing effective HCV pathways.
• To provide insights into improving diagnosis, referral, and treatment rates for hepatitis C.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent research on hepatitis C screening strategies in Chinese hospitals.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of integrated screening and referral channels.
• Examination of factors influencing diagnosis, referral, and treatment rates.

Main Results:

• Implementing coordinated screening and referral channels can overcome current diagnostic and consultation barriers.
• Multidepartment cooperation is key to successful pathway implementation.
• Improved rates of diagnosis, referral, and treatment are achievable with structured programs.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis C screening and referral channels are vital for improving patient management in China.
• Interdepartmental collaboration enhances the effectiveness of HCV diagnosis and treatment pathways.
• These strategies contribute significantly to the national goal of hepatitis C elimination.