QUHOMPEH v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative and Quantitative Understanding of Hepatitis C Outreach Models of Care for People Experiencing Homelessness (QUHOMPEH)
IRAS ID
354490
Contact name
Binta Sultan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2026/02/26, UCL Data Protection Registration Number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause serious liver disease if left untreated. Highly effective treatments are now available, but many people experiencing homelessness still face barriers to testing and treatment. These barriers include stigma, difficulties attending hospital appointments, and lack of stable housing. As a result, people experiencing homelessness are less likely to benefit from treatment, despite having a higher risk of infection.
This study aims to understand how outreach services provide hepatitis C care to people experiencing homelessness, and what helps or makes it harder for people to engage with testing and treatment. Outreach services deliver care in community settings such as hostels, day centres, and outreach clinics rather than traditional hospital settings.
The study will take place in England and will mainly involve the NHS Find and Treat service at University College London Hospitals, alongside national professional networks. Adults aged 18 years or over who have experience of homelessness and have used hepatitis C outreach services may be invited to take part. Health and social care professionals involved in outreach, commissioning, or policy may also be invited.
Participants may be asked to take part in an interview, allow researchers to observe outreach sessions, or attend a workshop. Interviews and workshops will involve talking about experiences of outreach care and will last up to one hour. Taking part is voluntary and will not affect current or future care.
The study will also use anonymised information that is already collected routinely by services, such as the number of people tested or treated. This information will not identify individuals and does not require additional consent.
The research is funded through discretionary research funds held by University College London and is supported by the University College London Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Findings will be used to improve outreach services and inform policy aimed at reducing health inequalities and supporting hepatitis C elimination.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
26/NS/0035
Date of REC Opinion
10 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion