Treating hepatitis C in a dedicated GP practice for homeless patients: a multidisciplinary approach

Homelessness is associated with poorer health outcomes compared with the general population, including increased incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. If untreated, HCV can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis) and cancer. However, with the availability of all-oral, well-tolerated and highly effective direct acting antivirals (DAA), treatment for HCV is now straightforward. Despite this, homeless populations remain difficult to engage in traditional hospital-based HCV treatment services. In Edinburgh, successful HCV treatment is delivered in a dedicated GP practice for homeless people using collaborative working between primary and secondary care. This allows for a holistic patient-centred approach that integrates HCV treatment into routine healthcare provision in a location that is accessible and familiar to the patients. This results in cure of HCV, which benefits the individual by improving health outcomes and contributes to the goal of elimination of HCV in the population as a whole.