Presentation Title: Developing a Multilevel Intervention to Increase Hepatitis C Virus Screening of Baby Boomers in Primary Care

Author Name(s): Monica L. Kasting, PhD, Cleveland G. Shields, PhD, Susan M. Rawl, PhD

Abstract: The worldwide incidence of liver cancer increased 75% from 1990 to 2015 due, in part, to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Individuals born 1945-1965 (baby boomers) have five times the prevalence of HCV infection compared to other birth cohorts, but fewer than 15% of this cohort have been screened. Effective interventions to increase HCV screening among baby boomers are urgently needed. In partnership with a provider advisory board and a community advisory board, we will develop a multilevel intervention targeting both providers and patients in primary care. We will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the intervention among patients and providers. While the specific content of both intervention components will be finalized at the completion of the study, we envision that the provider-level intervention will likely include a one-time education session and monthly performance feedback e-mails regarding their HCV screening rates. The patient-level intervention may include reminder post-cards and clinic-based education, engagement, and activation. The long-term goals of this project are to: 1) develop an acceptable, feasible, and usable multilevel intervention aimed at increasing HCV screening in primary care; and 2) understand the relationship between the intervention components and HCV screening; and 3) reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality.