title: Evaluation of an integrated care service facility for people living with hepatitis C in New Zealand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  People living with hepatitis C are a highly marginalised population who may not readily access health care. Existing models of hepatitis C care may not meet the needs of these patients. This research evaluates the experiences of patients attending an innovative hepatitis C clinic that offers integrated care and service delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveys were completed by 120 clients and comprised of questions relating to changes in lifestyle habits since attending the clinic, hepatitis C knowledge, hepatitis C treatment and experiences with health care staff at the clinic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of respondents indicated that attendance at the clinic has provided them with the information to better manage their hepatitis C and had given them confidence to make lifestyle changes. Participants demonstrated a very high knowledge of hepatitis C and reported experiencing a less discriminatory environment at the clinic compared to other health care settings. Respondents who had been attending the clinic for more than 6 months were significantly more likely to indicate a desire to commence hepatitis C treatment over the next 5 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings point to the importance of integrated care in the community setting in providing clients with a positive experience of health care, which appears to increase their skills and desire to better manage their hepatitis C.
authors.affiliation: National Centre in HIV Social Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors.forename: Robyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Horwitz
authors.forename: Loren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brener
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Treloar
keywords: hepatitis C; integrated care; knowledge; lifestyle changes; treatment