FREE-C study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Finding the remaining barriers to hepatitis C elimination
IRAS ID
284400
Contact name
Kathleen Bryce
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London, Joint Research Office, (part of the Research Support Centre)
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2021/04/86, Data protection registration
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background
Hepatitis C infection is a major cause of liver disease in the UK and its elimination is a public health priority. However, some people find it difficult to engage with healthcare services and treatment. This is important because they will miss out on the benefits of hepatitis C cure, remain at higher risk of serious liver damage and may also pass on the virus to others. Improving engagement with care and treatment is key to hepatitis C elimination in the UK.Hepatitis C treatment is now of short duration with few side effects. We don't know enough about why some patients drop out of care or delay before starting treatment.
Research question
Which factors are associated with time to starting hepatitis C treatment?Study design
We will ask patients who are at the start of their treatment journey to complete a questionnaire and then follow them up over 6 months to assess their progress. The questionnaire will be completed at the first clinic visit, take up to 20 minutes and ask about social background, experiences of illness and attitudes towards healthcare. There will be no extra tests or visits compared to normal care. Questionnaire responses will be examined to see if there is an association with how long it takes to start treatment.The results of this study will help us to develop a short risk-assessment form, which would act as a prompt for doctors/nurses when assessing patients for hepatitis C treatment. Being able to identify which factors are associated with longer delays before treatment will help us put in place extra support for those who need it most.
Funding: internal research and development fund.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0061
Date of REC Opinion
6 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion