ASHM Report Back
Clinical posts from members and guests of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) from various international medical and scientific conferences on HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and sexual health.
Getting it out there
Kelly Barclay told us that unlike Australia, there are a large number of undetected HCV sufferers in the NZ community, so the decision was made not to wait, but to 'take it out there'.
In an 18mth pilot program a Community Nurse will provide assessments, fibroscans, education and discuss treatment options in 2 pilot sites.
This pilot will potentially remove one of the major barriers to addressing HCV, as the nurse will be located in the Community thereby increasing the number of access points to information and or treatment.
It's hoped that the opportunity to access information and support will result in earlier lifestyle changes and increased uptake rates in monitoring and or treatment.
Sounds like a positive approach and we look forward to hearing about it's success rate.
Well done Kiwis!