Hepatitis C Screening Among Persons Experiencing Homelessness in the Emergency Department: A Secondary Analysis of the Determining Effective Testing in Emergency Departments and Care Coordination on Treatment Outcomes (DETECT) for Hepatitis C (Hep C) Screening Trial
Given the known elevated risk and underserved status of homeless populations, consider proactively offering HCV testing in the ED setting rather than waiting for patient inquiry. Documenting both the offer and subsequent acceptance is crucial for tracking care gaps. Remember that while EDs are a key access point, follow-up coordination remains essential to ensure diagnosis leads to treatment.
This secondary analysis from the DETECT trial provides an important look at how Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening is implemented within the emergency department setting, specifically focusing on individuals experiencing homelessness. The authors examined associations between a patient's homeless status and key outcomes related to HCV testing, including whether the test was offered, if it was accepted, rates of seropositivity, and evidence of viremia. Overall, the findings reinforce the concept that EDs are uniquely positioned to serve as screening hubs for this high-risk population who often face significant barriers to routine care. This underscores the utility of integrating HCV screening into standard emergency department protocols.