Peer models in hepatitis c healthcare service delivery: underlying mechanisms and implementation

(2022-2024)

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major global public health concern, and can cause liver disease, cancer and death. Most HCV infections in the UK are in people who inject drugs (PWID). HCV Direct Acting Antivirals treatment cure over 90% of patients within 8-12 weeks with few side effects. Yet, despite treatment advancements, marginalised populations such as PWID experience multiple barriers and stigma in accessing and engaging with healthcare. The integration of peer-led work in providing healthcare is a key recommendation within the Global Health Sector Strategies on blood-borne viruses including viral hepatitis (World Health Organisation, 2022). While the benefits of peer models are increasingly accepted, an in-depth understanding of how these models work, what influences their effectiveness, and how they are best integrated into existing healthcare settings for HCV and beyond is lacking.

Aim

This qualitative study aims to describe a national peer model in the UK and to identify its key elements. We will determine the facilitators and barriers to integrating peer workers into healthcare teams, and examine the underlying mechanisms through which the peer model works.

Methods

1. Scoping review on the description of peer models in hepatitis c service delivery in the peer-reviewed literature (2012-2022).
2. Focus groups and individual interviews with up to n=45 participants comprising peer workers, service users and healthcare professionals across three community healthcare settings (diverse in geography and peer model integration).
3. Stakeholder engagement and PPIE input to findings and recommendations.

Project team

Jamie Frankis (CI), Gabriele Vojt (PI), Lawrie Elliott, Leila Reid, Sorcha Daly, Rachel Halford.

Contact: Gabriele.Vojt@gcu.ac.uk

This project is funded by the Hepatitis C Trust, a UK peer-led organisation.

Key projects and expertise

Links where you can find out more about our key projects and expertise.

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Group members and research students

Academic staff and research students within the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses group

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Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses

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