Cost-Effectiveness of Follow-Up Strategies for Hepatitis C Detection in Healthcare Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Sylvie Deuffic-Burban, Abiteboul D, Lot F, Branger M, Bouvet E, Yazdanpanah Y
Primary Institution: INSERM U795, Lille, France
Hypothesis
Follow-up schedules should be tailored to the HCW’s risk of HCV seroconversion after percutaneous exposure.
Conclusion
A strategy based on early HCV RNA testing leads to earlier detection of HCV transmission and is reasonably cost-effective.
Supporting Evidence
- The alternative-US strategy led to the shortest mean time to HCV infection diagnosis (1 month).
- The French strategy resulted in the highest costs per person (€181.40).
- The alternative-US strategy was associated with the lowest number of chronic hepatitis C patients (1.9/7300 HCWs exposed).
- The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the alternative-US strategy was €2020 per quality-adjusted life year saved.
Takeaway
This study shows that testing for hepatitis C right after exposure helps doctors find out if someone is infected faster, which is better for their health and costs less in the long run.
Methodology
A decision tree model was used to simulate the costs and effectiveness of four follow-up strategies for healthcare workers exposed to HCV.
Limitations
The study did not account for the loss of healthcare workers to follow-up after exposure.
Participant Demographics
Healthcare workers exposed to HCV in France.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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