Hepatitis C Community of Practice

This free online training aims to provide participants with the knowledge and confidence to increase the management of HCV in alcohol and other drug settings.

People who inject drugs and experience social and structural inequities such as homelessness are at increased risk of acquiring HCV and are therefore a priority population for HCV models of care.

Hosted by the Victorian HIV and Hepatitis Integrated Training and Learning program, this Hepatitis C Community of Practice session is intended to support the alcohol and other drugs workforce with the opportunity to bring case based studies for discussion and mutual learning. This peer learning approach enhances the practice of AOD workers to recognise those who may be living with or at risk of HCV and supporting them onto the care pathway, particularly if they are disengaged with traditional health care services. Linking attendees with expert knowledge in point of care testing, prison settings, nurse led models of care and community facing support services, the Community of Practice aims to support the elimination of Hepatitis C in Victoria.

All practitioners are invited to submit cases for discussion. Presenters will be selected based on the needs of each case so early submission is encouraged.

While this is not a clinical update, a base level of knowledge of hepatitis C will be assumed in the discussion. You can register for the Clinical Foundations of Hepatitis C course via ASHM On Demand here.

Date: Monday, 24 March 2025

Time: 12:00pm – 1.30pm

Topic: Homeless Population and HCV

Presenters: Jacqui Richmond and others TBC

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify appropriate point of care testing options for people at risk of HCV
• Plan appropriate pathways to care, from testing to treatment and beyond
• Learn about innovative models of care of service delivery which can be successfully used in marginalised/challenging populations, including:
  • incorporation of POC testing
  • initiation of therapy in non-healthcare or outreach settings
  • retention in care for challenging populations