Winner
Improving outcomes for patients with blood borne virus in Dundee
by Dundee CHP
This project set out to identify patients in general practice with a diagnosis of hepatitis B or hepatitis C with a view to encouraging appropriate investigation, management and referral of these patients. Patients were reviewed and offered further testing, immunisation and referral as clinically indicated. The project also encouraged practices to screen high-risk patient groups for blood-borne viruses and to immunise at-risk patients against hepatitis B. Data from the hospital service showed there was an increase in BBV screening and testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C by 62%, 16% and 18% respectively compared to the same period 12 months previously. A total of 124 immunisations were given.
Judges comment:
"This is a great example of a primary care screening and vaccination service. A system devised that focuses on improving patient outcomes with blood born viruses. Raising awareness with GPs is vital and this project is delivering – impressive as GPs can so often be resistant. It would be great to see this service rolled out to all BBVs!"
Highly Commended
Dorset Blood Borne Virus Dry Blood Spot Testing Service Pathway
by Dorset Viral Hepatitis Service
This project comprised a model of care and pathway for hepatitis C blood-borne virus (BBV) within drug services in Bournemouth. The project introduced dry blood spot testing to be offered by drug workers within drug treatment services. Follow-up and coordination is provided by staff within the local services and, where appropriate, there is ongoing direct nurse to nurse referral into secondary care for assessment and treatment. Prior to the service model being introduced just 68% of previous or current drug injectors in Bournemouth accessed drug rehabilitation services for hepatitis C. This has risen to 90% since the programme was introduced.
Judges comment:
"This has proved to be a very successful programme. It’s a simple, streamlined method of testing and a great example of team working. Producing in-house training for drug workers to test on the ground is a cost-effective way of increasing diagnoses of hepatitis C and referrals into treatment pathways."