Patients' experiences related to anti-viral treatment for hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a qualitative study to elicit patients' descriptions of their own experiences with treatment for hepatitis C (HCV).


METHODS
Focus groups were conducted until thematic saturation was reached.


RESULTS
A total of 40 patients (80% male) participated in eight focus groups. The themes that emerged most frequently during the focus groups centered on adverse effects and quality of care. The discussions highlighted discrepancies between patients' anticipated effects of drug toxicity versus their actual experiences, gaps in communication between physicians, and the lack of social support as important shortcomings in the healthcare of HCV patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The issues raised by the participants in this study highlight several important areas that may lead to improved care for patients with HCV.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that care for patients with HCV might be improved by using patient testimonials to improve accuracy of expectations, having both the primary care physician and liver specialist devise a plan to treat symptoms arising during the course of therapy, and ensuring that patients have the option of participating in a support group.
Fraenkel
Liana
L
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, CT, USA. liana.fraenkel@yale.edu
McGraw
Sarah
S
Wongcharatrawee
Suchat
S
Garcia-Tsao
Guadalupe
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003142:Communication; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000592:standards; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration
D000998:Antiviral Agents