The DOT-C study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Pilot Trial of Directly Observed anti HCV Therapy supported with contingency management in a population on opiate substitute therapy.
IRAS ID
180557
Contact name
John Dillon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS R&D, TASC
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
Hepatitis C infection is a major health concern in the UK with those who develop a chronic infection risking development of liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Less than 10% of methadone users are tested for HCV and fewer than 20% of those go on to treatment regimes that successfully clear the infection despite regular interactions with health care staff.
The DOT C study will examine whether providing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for HCV treatment in methadone users attending a selection of pharmacies in NHS Tayside, increases the numbers of these patients achieving a cure. This approach will be compared with those referred to standard care pathways on how well participants clear their HCV infection.
A secondary aim will be to examine whether incentives in the form of supermarket vouchers improve adherence to therapy in both the pharmacy led DOT group and the standard care group. The study will run for up to 18months.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
15/ES/0086
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion