JailFree C

By project INTENCIVE

Published on 26 July 2021

Spain

Cantabria

About this good practice

This initiative seeks to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in El Dueso prison by diagnosing, treating and following patients through a teleconsultation program between the prison doctor and the patient, in cases where it is needed, and the Digestive System of the HUMV. In addition to the consultation, access from El Dueso has been facilitated to the results of the necessary tests (laboratory, imaging, etc.) and to the hospital pharmacy, since the drug treatment is exclusively for hospital use.
It involves collaborative work between digestive and infectious disease professionals, social services, nurses, and prison doctors.

Resources needed

Unknown

Evidence of success

847 (99.5%) inmates accepted to participate. HCV antibodies were present in 110 (13.0%) and 86 (10.2%) had detectable viremia. Most of them were genotype 1 or 3 (82.6%) and had

Potential for learning or transfer

- Systematic filter of Hepatitis C Virus among inmates in a prison: very risky population that increases infection in a society.
- Multi-institutional Project.
- Improves communication among healthcare systems and professionals.
- High acceptancy rate from doctors and inmates.
- Increases medication adherence, follow up and infection control.
- Helps control not only Hepatitis C Virus of inmates but also mental health.
- Replicable, can be easily implemented in other prisons, regions, countries.