Table 1 Summary of barriers and enablers to HCV screening and treatment in prisoners
Barriers | Enablers |
|---|---|
Increased security needs reduce allocated time for supporting medical services | In-reach medical services reduce requirement for hospital visits |
Inadequate staffing and resources | Provision of education and training |
Lack of knowledge about HCV among security staff and prisoners | Reassuring prisoners regarding confidentiality |
Misinformation regarding historical HCV treatments circulating among prisoners | Opt-out HCV screening on committal |
Concerns regarding medical confidentiality | Utilisation of ‘down-time’ in the prison timetable |
Prisoners’ fear of treatment side effects and liver biopsy | Prison peer workers |
Prisoners’ experience and fear of stigma | On-site hepatology and Fibroscan |