Enhanced surveillance of notifications of hepatitis C to Queensland Health up to 19 years previously

Abstract

In this study we aimed to assess the utility of following up historical hepatitis C notifications for enhanced surveillance and linking cases to further testing and treatment. Queensland hepatitis C notifications from June 2018, 2013, 2008 and 2003 who were not incarcerated at the time of testing were followed up. The most recent identified clinicians for cases were contacted by telephone. When no information about a current clinician was available, the case was contacted via a letter or text message. Clinicians and cases were encouraged to pursue further testing and treatment and provide information about management. Following notification but prior to this study’s follow-up, a majority of cases (309/532; 58%) had a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or underwent treatment.Clinician follow-up was successful in 21% of eligible cases, with the proportion decreasing with increasing time since notification. In conclusion, contacting clinicians to link notified cases to further testing and treatment may increase testing and treatment in a small proportion of cases notified up to nine years post-notification. From our experience, the follow-up of notifications before this time is unlikely to result in improved outcomes.