title: The Hepatitis C treatment experience: Patients' perceptions of the facilitators of and barriers to uptake, adherence and completion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explores the perceptions of patients receiving treatment for Hepatitis C to determine what factors influence their decision to commence treatment, ability to maintain adherence and complete their treatment program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interview techniques were used in a qualitative study of 20 patients undergoing treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC).
  
  
  METHODS
  To explore patients' perceived barriers and facilitators of Hepatitis C treatment adherence and completion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of patient interviews identified four key themes: (1) motivations for commencing CHC treatment - fear of death and ridding themselves of stigma and shame; (2) the influential role of provider communication - patients reported that information and feedback that was personalised to their needs and lifestyles was the most effective for improving adherence to treatment; (3) facilitators of treatment adherence and completion - social, emotional and practical support improved adherence and completion, as did temporarily ceasing employment; (4) barriers to treatment adherence and completion - these included side effects, stigma, a complicated dosing schedule and limitations of the public healthcare system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To increase treatment adherence and completion rates, a patient-centred approach is required that addresses patients' social, practical, and emotional support needs and adaptive coping strategies.
authors.affiliation: a Clinical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.
authors.forename: Victoria A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Sublette
authors.forename: Sian K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McCaffery
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Douglas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents
keywords: Hepatitis C treatment; Hepatitis C virus; coping strategies; qualitative research; treatment adherence