LINK-2-HEPCARE: Linking to hepatitis care through linking existing data for Victorians with viral hepatitis

Project Summary

Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer in Victoria, and disproportionately affects priority populations subject to broader health outcome inequalities.

LINK-2-HepCare will transform the approach to viral hepatitis notifications by generating a surveillance-based cascade of care, augmented with record linkage to other existing public health datasets. This innovative research will allow identification of the individual care trajectory of Victorians diagnosed with viral hepatitis.

The Project will then undertake clinician liaison to assist with linkage to care for Victorians diagnosed with viral hepatitis, directly improving access to treatment of viral hepatitis during the life of the Project. 

Aims

1. Harness the enduring data linkage environment created by the Victorian Department of Health to assess individual- and population-level cascade of care information for viral hepatitis
2. Use surveillance-based cascades of care to directly target follow-up of viral hepatitis notifications to support linkage to treatment and care for viral hepatitis in priority populations
3. Assess the outcomes of project public health interventions by monitoring impact on the cascade of care within the linked datasets, and through formal evaluation with partners and stakeholders
4. Make recommendations about the future integration of this research with public health and clinical interventions in an implementation strategy that harnesses existing state-wide investments in viral hepatitis care, and local public health, clinical and community partnerships.

Objectives

1. Reduce the burden of untreated viral hepatitis, especially in priority populations with excess hepatitis related mortality who are subject to health inequalities.
2. Establish the partnerships and knowledge base required to fast-track the translation of this innovative approach to the optimal use of existing data into direct health outcomes for individual Victorians at greatest risk of poor outcomes from untreated viral hepatitis.
3. Provide a sustainable foundation for continued enhanced follow up and linkage to care for individuals diagnosed with viral hepatitis in Victoria following project completion.

Investigators

WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

Project Lead: Prof Benjamin Cowie 

Support

Sexual Health and Viral Hepatitis Program, Department of Health Victoria.

Project Contact

Amelia Savage | Amelia.savage@mh.org.au