Tangible Resources for Preparing Patients for Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C
Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 05/09/2012
Clinical Article
Bonner JE et al. – Hepatitis C (HCV) clinicians are in a unique position to prepare patients with coexisting mental health and/or substance abuse issues for antiviral therapy.
Methods- Guided by the clinical experience of the liver center, a large, tertiary academic medical center, and informed by the extant literature, the authors summarize pre–treatment strategies and specific resources and recommendations for HCV providers.
- Four key pre–treatment strategies include: 1) screening for mental health/substance abuse issues using brief, reliable and validated instruments; 2) locating and establishing collaborative care with mental health and substance abuse specialists; 3) using a motivational interviewing communication style; and 4) addressing adherence–related issues.
