Addicts who seek treatment at substance abuse clinics often do not seek care for HCV infection, even though they are at increased risk for the infection. According to lead researcher Andrew H. Talal, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at UB, these individuals often have poor literacy skills and are more likely to be adversely impacted by poverty and a dearth of social support. These factors, combined with preexisting comorbidities and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, often discourage these individuals from seeking medical help for HCV. Misconceptions and distrust in the medical community also work to dissuade members of this population from seeking care at health care facilities.
For the new project, Dr. Talal and colleagues will use live videoconferencing to deliver treatment to these patients in a comfortable setting.
Dr. Talal said, “Telemedicine permits virtual integration…this strategy enables HCV treatment to be delivered in the familiar environment of the opiate treatment program, allowing the HCV provider and the addiction medicine team to work together to evaluate and treat patients.”
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