Introduction

A recent survey underscores the pivotal role pharmacists play in the fight against hepatitis C virus (HCV), revealing that they are essential in treatment, counseling, and management across diverse healthcare environments. Despite projections indicating that the United States may miss its goal to eliminate HCV by 2030, the findings highlight the potential of pharmacists to bridge gaps in HCV care.

Survey Insights

Conducted with 209 respondents from 45 states, the survey indicates that pharmacists manage around 24 HCV patients each month and boast over five years of experience in this field. The significance of their involvement is further emphasized by the research team, led by Michelle T. Martin, PharmD, from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy, who stated, 'Pharmacists are already playing key roles in HCV management at local, national, and international levels.'

Urgency for Enhanced Management

The need for enhanced HCV management becomes increasingly vital as new models now suggest a potential elimination timeline of 2037 due to a notable decline in HCV treatments paralleled by rising rates of new infections. From 2013 to 2021, the incidence of acute HCV infection in the U.S. doubled, with the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbating screening and treatment challenges.

Guidelines for Inclusion

Guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America promote the inclusion of pharmacists in treatment teams, especially as they represent the most accessible healthcare provider for nearly 89% of Americans. This integration is essential for achieving productive collaborative care in non-specialist settings.

Literature Gaps

Despite the clear involvement of pharmacists, the existing literature lacks comprehensive insights into their national engagement in the management of HCV. This gap was the driving force behind the current survey, which employed open-ended questions to explore various aspects of HCV screening, prescribing, and management practices.

Survey Results

The survey garnered a total of 259 responses, out of which 209 were analyzed. Noteworthy findings revealed that 81% of pharmacists surveyed provided screening or referrals for HCV care, while a staggering 99.5% conducted treatment evaluations. Furthermore, over half of the respondents reported independently selecting treatment regimens.

Educational Role

The pharmacists’ educational role is profound, with 98% indicating their involvement in educating patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals about HCV. A remarkable 93% reported initiating treatment, and 90% followed up with monitoring throughout the treatment process.

Satisfaction and Frustrations

Respondents also shared their experiences regarding what they found satisfying or frustrating in their roles. The overwhelming majority (74%) expressed satisfaction at witnessing patients achieve cure, while frustrations often stemmed from socio-economic barriers hindering patient follow-up.

Facilitators and Barriers

The survey further identified key facilitators for HCV management, which included collaboration with prescribers (45%), support in navigating prior authorization (17%), and general administrative assistance (13%). Conversely, challenges such as lack of reimbursement (31%), restrictive state laws (23%), and competing pharmacy responsibilities (19%) were noted as barriers to effective care.

Conclusion

Martin and her team asserted, 'Our study results highlight the extensive role that pharmacists have in HCV management. The HCV epidemic is a public health crisis that necessitates the collaboration and engagement of all healthcare providers.' As the battle against hepatitis C continues, the findings from this survey shed light on the critical contributions that pharmacists can make in improving patient outcomes and enhancing access to care, driving forward the trajectory towards achieving HCV elimination goals.