Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Hepatitis C-treated patients as a potential source for referral of new cases
Cristina Reygosa1, Dalia Morales-Arraez1, Alberto Hernández-Bustabad1
1Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España.
Insights
Patients treated for hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) who are satisfied with their care are more likely to recommend treatment. Enhancing patient satisfaction and knowledge can improve HCV elimination efforts.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer a significant opportunity for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination.
- Effective strategies are needed to identify new patients and engage those diagnosed but not yet evaluated for treatment.
- Positive treatment experiences in other chronic viral diseases can drive patient referrals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the likelihood of patients treated with DAAs recommending follow-up and treatment to others.
- To identify characteristics influencing patients' willingness to recommend HCV treatment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 202 patients treated with DAAs for HCV infection was analyzed.
- Patients were surveyed on their awareness of other infected individuals and willingness to share their treatment experience.
- General and specific satisfaction surveys, along with demographic, socioeconomic, and HCV infection data, were collected.
Main Results:
- While 54.4% of patients knew others infected with HCV, only 34.2% were fully willing to share their experience.
- Patients who shared their experience reported higher satisfaction with specialist care (4.7 vs. 4.3), treatment expectations (4.6 vs. 4.0), and social support (4.5 vs. 4.0).
Conclusions:
- Overall satisfaction with the healthcare process and clear information on treatment benefits significantly influence patient recommendations.
- Improving patient knowledge of treatment and their perceived health improvements can increase referrals to specialized HCV consultations.
Introduction:
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are an opportunity for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. Strategies are needed to diagnose new patients and to attract those diagnosed without evaluation. Patients with other chronic viral diseases who receive satisfactory treatment promote referral of other patients for evaluation. Our aim was to evaluate whether patients who have been treated with DAAs would recommend follow-up and treatment to other patients as well as the characteristics that influence this decision.
Patients And Methods:
Two-hundred and 2HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs were included. Patients were asked about whether they knew other infected people and their willingness to share their experience. A general satisfaction survey and a specific HCV satisfaction survey were carried out. Demographic, socioeconomic and HCV infection variables were recorded.
Results:
Despite the fact that 54.4% of the patients reported knowing others infected, 34.2% would not fully agree to share their experience. The analysis of general and specific satisfaction showed that patients who shared their experience mentioned a perception of greater care from the specialist (4.7±0.4 vs. 4.3±0.6, P=.001) and had more information on treatment expectations (4.6±0.5 vs. 4.0±0.7, P=.001) and social support (4.5±0.7 vs. 4.0±0.8, P=.001).
Conclusions:
The perception by treated patients of general satisfaction with the healthcare process and information about benefits influences the degree of recommendation to other infected people. Knowledge about treatment and perception of improvement in health of treated patients should be enhanced as it can contribute to increasing referrals to specialized consultation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...