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Patient Care at VIDC

VIDC engages the majority of patients through our weekly Community Pop-Up Clinics (CPCs) where we provide point-of-care HIV and HCV testing. 

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If an individual receives a positive result and wishes to receive treatment, here's what they can expect at their upcoming visits at VIDC. 

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Our goal is to reduce the cascade of care by offering holistic services under one roof, and to re-engage disconnected populations with the healthcare system.

Source_ Naveed Z. Janjua, Margot Kuo, Am

Further Testing & Diagnosis

Step 1

Further tests are performed to confirm the suspected infection and to determine the patient's baseline prevalence, liver function and genotype. 

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The infection is staged (stages I - IV) with imaging diagnosis (ultrasound, fibroscan®, MRI and CT scans) and ruling out the possibility of cirrhosis (advanced scarring of liver).

Developing Treatment Plan

Step 2

The VIDC team actively engages each patient to get to know them better. We ask the following questions to determine their readiness for treatment:

  • What is their housing status?

  • What is their addiction status?

  • Do they have a support system of family, friends, and/or social workers?

  • Do they have access to a pharmacy and other clinicians within the community who can address their comorbidities?

Addressing these needs are at the center of VIDC’s four-legged chair model.

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Over the course of our operations, we have seen proven results of a much higher success in treatment uptake and adhesion when our patients’ social, psychological, addiction-related and other medical needs are met.

Treatment Application

Step 3

Once the patient is ready, the VIDC team will determine the best medication regime and HCV treatment will begin. 

 

Four weeks into the treatment, blood work will be taken again to test the viral load. A decrease in AST, ALT and GGT enzymes signifies a successful treatment. 

End of Treatment &

Long-Term Follow Up

Step 4

The medical treatment ends when HCV viral load is no longer detectable in a patient. However, it doesn't mean it's the end of their journey at VIDC. 

 

One of our main goals at the end of treatment is the prevention of re-infection. We educate patients on safe sexual practices, drug usage, piercings, tattoo practices and other common infection opportunities both during appointments and the weekly Patient Support Groups. 

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To achieve the larger goal of re-engaging disconnected patients to the health care system, follow-up appointments are arranged for every six months after treatment concludes. 

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Blood work is performed during check ups to verify the zero viral load and fibroscans® are done to observe liver function

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