Telemedicine Chronic Viral Hepatitis C Treatment during the Lockdown Period in Romania: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Digital Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted chronic disease management, including Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication efforts.
• Neglect of chronic diseases necessitates alternative strategies for therapy implementation and monitoring.
• HCV treatment requires continuous monitoring, which was challenged by pandemic-related restrictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a telemedicine program for monitoring HCV-infected patients in Romania during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of telemedicine for HCV antiviral therapy management.
• To compare medication adherence and treatment outcomes between telemedicine and traditional monitoring.

Main Methods:

• A pilot telemedicine program was implemented for previously diagnosed HCV patients.
• Patient characteristics and medication adherence were assessed and compared to the pre-pandemic period.
• A satisfaction questionnaire was administered post-treatment, and sustained virologic response (SVR) was evaluated.

Main Results:

• The study included 41 HCV patients in the telemedicine program.
• Medication adherence was 100% in the telemedicine group, significantly higher than in 2019.
• Sustained virologic response (SVR) was 100% for all participants, with high patient satisfaction (4.92/5).
• Older patients showed lower engagement but achieved similar SVR and adherence rates.

Conclusions:

• Telemedicine provides a reliable and effective alternative for HCV therapy monitoring, especially during public health crises.
• This pilot study demonstrates the first telemedicine program for HCV management in Romania.
• The findings support the continued use of telemedicine for HCV treatment beyond the pandemic.