Integrating treatment : Key findings from a qualitative evaluation of the Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opiate Substitution Settings (ETHOS) study

Abstract

The ETHOS study was established with two aims: firstly, to develop a collaborative network of opiate substitution treatment (OST) clinics and community health centres piloting the introduction of hepatitis C virus (HCV) care and treatment in NSW, Australia; and secondly, to facilitate an evaluation of the implementation process, the uptake of care, and the outcomes of treatment, among the OST service-user population. This study employed qualitative methods to explore OST service-user and health professional reports concerning the barriers and facilitators affecting the delivery and uptake of HCV care and treatment within OST clinics, including those in which peer support was offered.