title: HIV/HCV Co-infection: Overcoming Barriers to Treatment.
abstract: A critical step in the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is access to effective therapy. With the advent of interferon-free regimens, HCV providers and patients gained hope that the success seen in clinical trials could be translated to the real world. However, the exorbitant cost of the new direct-acting antivirals limits access to these medications to the general HCV population, especially underserved patients with public insurance. We used a descriptive qualitative approach to detail the measures necessary and challenges faced by an inner-city nursing team in Washington, DC to obtain the new direct-acting antivirals. Significant time and dedication on the part of providers and staff was required to assist patients with the process of obtaining direct-acting antivirals.
authors.forename: Chloe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Akoth
authors.forename: Angie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kattakuzhy
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Silk
authors.forename: Elana
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D060085:Coinfection; D004219:District of Columbia; D016527:Drug Costs; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D000069616:Simeprevir / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069474:Sofosbuvir / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D035862:Vulnerable Populations
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069616:Simeprevir; D000069474:Sofosbuvir
keywords: HCV; HIV; direct-acting antivirals; managed care organizations; sustained virologic response; underserved population