Hepatitis C virus monitoring in inpatient psychiatry: Doctors’ practice

Author:

Cubin Matthew1ORCID,Luscombe Georgina M2,Mammadova Gulnara3,Smith Katherine4,Hickie Catherine3

Affiliation:

1. Advanced Trainee in Old Age Psychiatry, Western New South Wales Local Health District, NSW, Australia

2. Associate Professor, The University of SydneySchool of Rural Health, Orange, NSW, Australia

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Western New South Wales Local Health District, NSW, Australia

4. Senior Research Officer, School of Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Orange, NSW, Australia

Abstract

Objectives Current guidelines recommend routine Hepatitis C virus (HCV) monitoring in people with serious mental illness. We sought to determine the rates at which doctors practising in inpatient psychiatry units monitor the HCV exposure risk and HCV infection status of their patients. Methods Electronic medical records (EMRs) of 50 short stay and 50 long stay mental health inpatients of a regional NSW hospital were retrospectively audited to determine the rates at which doctors screened for HCV and associated risk factors. Chi-squared analysis and Fisher’s exact test were performed to compare the two groups. Results Screening rates for HCV-associated risk factors varied according to the specific risk factor explored (prior incarceration 61%; intravenous drug use 55%; and tattoos/piercings 6%). Of 30 patients identified as having at least one HCV-associated risk factor, only 27% ( n = 8) were tested for HCV during their admission, and the likelihood of testing was significantly higher in the long stay group. HCV infection status was documented for only one-third (34%) of patients. Conclusions There is significant scope for improvement in assessing HCV status and exposure risk in this setting. Improved awareness among mental health professionals as to the higher incidence of HCV in this population could elicit more widespread monitoring.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Psychiatry and Mental health

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