Hepatitis C Virus Antiviral Drug Resistance and Salvage Therapy Outcomes Across Australia.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can now be cured with well-tolerated direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. However, a potential barrier to HCV elimination is the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) that reduce the efficacy of antiviral drugs, but real-world studies assessing the clinical impact of RASs are limited. Here, an analysis of the impact of RASs on retreatment outcomes for different salvage regimens in patients nationally who failed first-line DAA therapy is reported. Methods: We collected data from 363 Australian patients who failed first-line DAA therapy, including: age, sex, fibrosis stage, HCV genotype, NS3/NS5A/NS5B RASs, details of failed first-line regimen, subsequent salvage regimens, and treatment outcome. Results: Of 240 patients who were initially retreated as per protocol, 210 (87.5%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and 30 (12.5%) relapsed or did not respond. The SVR rate for salvage regimens that included sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir was 94.3% (n = 140), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir 75.0% (n = 52), elbasvir/grazoprevir 81.6% (n = 38), and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir 84.6% (n = 13). NS5A RASs were present in 71.0% (n = 210) of patients who achieved SVR and in 66.7% (n = 30) of patients who subsequently relapsed. NS3 RASs were detected in 20 patients (20%) in the SVR group and 1 patient in the relapse group. NS5B RASs were observed in only 3 patients. Cirrhosis was a predictor of relapse after retreatment, as was previous treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. Conclusions: In our cohort, the SVR rate for sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir was higher than with other salvage regimens. The presence of NS5A, NS5B, or NS3 RASs did not appear to negatively influence retreatment outcomes.

Medical students' awareness of overdiagnosis and implications for preventing overdiagnosis.

Overdiagnosis is a growing health issue, yet our understanding of medical students' exposure to this concept within medical education is limited. Our aim was to explore students' experience of diagnostic learning to identify how overdiagnosis may be understood by students. During in-person and online semi-structured interviews throughout 2021, we explored the education experience of twelve Western Sydney University medical students in years 3-5. Through inductive thematic analysis we identified four themes. These themes encompassed student commitment to learning about diagnosis, lack of certainty surrounding diagnosis and emotional factors of medical care, overdiagnosis as seen through the lens of high and low-value care during clinical placements and student-identified missed learning opportunities related to overdiagnosis. This study found that medical students develop inherent knowledge of overdiagnosis through an interplay of personal factors, medical school curriculum and the setting in which their training takes place. Our findings allow insight for future improvement of medical curriculum to produce exceptional medical graduates.

Changes in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk over time among people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk over time among people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS: We used data from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) and the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD). Five-year ASCVD risk was calculated using the D:A:D equation. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were aged ≥18 years, had started ART, had no previous history of ASCVD and had complete ASCVD risk factor data available within the first 5 years of ART initiation. RESULTS: A total of 3368 adults contributed data, 3221 were from TAHOD and 147 were from AHOD. The median age at ART initiation was 36 [IQR 31-43] years for TAHOD participants, and 42 [IQR 35-50] years for AHOD participants. Most TAHOD (70.4%) and AHOD (91.8%) participants were male. Overall, ASCVD risk increased from 0.84% (95% CI 0.81%-0.87%) at ART initiation to 1.34% (95% CI 1.29%-1.39%) after 5 years on ART. After adjusting for traditional and HIV-associated ASCVD risk factors, ASCVD risk increased at a similar rate among sub-populations defined by HIV exposure (heterosexuals, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs), race/ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian) and nadir CD4 at ART initiation (<200 and ≥200 cells/mm3). CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the growing burden of ASCVD risk among PLHIV and the need to develop interventions that are effective across a broad range of HIV sub-populations.

Communication and coordination of care for people living with HIV: a qualitative study of the patient perspective.

BACKGROUND: There is growing consensus that primary health care (PHC) providers have an important role in providing holistic, preventative care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). In regional Australia, HIV care is primarily delivered through specialist services, thus adequate coordination and communication between specialist and PHC professionals is crucial. This study aimed to explore patient experiences of the coordination of care and health care professional communication for PLHIV in regional Australia. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with PLHIV in a regional area of Australia were conducted in March to April 2022. Interviews were conducted via video conferencing, face-to-face, or via telephone call. Interviews were audio-recorded and manually transcribed. Transcripts were coded inductively and thematic analysis was conducted to explore perspectives on communication and coordination. RESULTS: Thirteen participants were interviewed. Most participants were male, aged 50-70, were diagnosed with HIV more than ten years ago, and had been living in regional Australia long-term. Through qualitative analysis, themes emerged in the following areas: (1) Patient perception of care coordination; (2) Patient understanding of modality of communication; (3) Positive attitudes towards communication between healthcare professionals; and (4) Concerns for information sharing between healthcare professionals. Many participants highlighted lack of clarity around care coordination as a key issue in their healthcare, with some citing themselves as the primary care coordinator. Participants identified that coordination and communication between PHC professionals and specialist services are essential in the delivery of their health care, but some were hesitant for this to occur. Hesitancy was entrenched in some patients' distrust of healthcare due to previous experiences of confidentiality breaches and stigma. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the need for clarity in coordination between health care professionals to deliver safe and effective HIV care, which may occur through care plans. Patient support for communication between healthcare providers may be strengthened by ensuring trust in the people and systems involved. Eliminating stigma in healthcare as well as building more trustworthy electronic-based communication technologies are essential components to trust-building between PLHIV and healthcare systems.

Investigating rates and predictors of viral blips, low-level viraemia and virological failure in the Australian HIV observational database.

OBJECTIVES: Australia has made significant progress towards achieving the UNAIDS's 95-95-95 cascade targets including HIV viral suppression. To investigate the burden of HIV viraemia, we assessed viral blips, low-level viraemia (LLV) and virologic failure (VF) in an Australian cohort. METHODS: We studied the proportion of people with viral suppression, viral blips, LLV and VF in the Australian HIV observational database (AHOD) between 2010 and 2021. The association between blips or LLV, and VF was investigated using Cox regression, and predictors of viral blips and LLV were assessed using repeated-measured logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 2544 AHOD participants who were in follow-up and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 1 January 2010 (88.7% male), 444 had experienced VF (incidence rate: 2.45 [95% CI: 2.23-2.69] per 100 person-years [PY]) during 18,125 PY of follow-up (a median of 7.6 years). The proportion of people with VF decreased over time, whereas rates of blips and LLV remained stable. Participants with blips (hazard ratio, 2.89; 95% CI: 2.31-3.61) and LLV (4.46; 95% CI: 3.38-5.89) were at increased risk of VF. Hepatitis B co-infection, longer documented treatment interruption duration, younger age and lower CD4 at ART initiation, and protease inhibitors-based initial regimen were associated with an increased risk of VF. Common predictors of blips and LLV such as higher HIV-1 RNA and lower CD4 at ART initiation, longer treatment interruption, more VL testing and types of care settings (hospitals vs. sexual health services) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Blips and LLV predict subsequent VF development. We identified important predictors of HIV viraemia including VF among individuals on INSTI-based regimens to help direct HIV management plans.

Determinants of access to general practice in a shared care model for people living with HIV: a qualitive study of patients' perspectives in an Australian rural community.

BACKGROUND: Improved management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has resulted in improved life expectancy for people living with HIV and an ageing population with a significant comorbidity burden. Shared care models, involving the co-ordinated liaison between general practitioners and specialist physicians, have been advocated for in Australia to provide comprehensive care. People living with HIV in rural areas have reduced access to general practice and therefore shared care. This study explores the perspectives of people living with HIV on the barriers and enablers to accessing shared care in an Australian rural setting. METHODS: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults living with HIV who either resided in or accessed care in a rural area of Australia. Interviews were conducted via video conferencing, phone or face-to-face. Transcripts were imported into NVivo, coded and analysed in alignment with a conceptual framework of healthcare access defined by Levesque and colleagues. RESULTS: Thirteen interviews were conducted in total. Participants' narratives demonstrated the substantial influence of accessibility to general practice on their ability to engage in effective shared care. Challenges included the perception that general practitioners would not provide additive value to participants' care, which restricted the ability to both seek and engage in the shared care model. Healthcare beliefs, expectations and experiences with stigma led participants to prioritise the perceived interpersonal qualities of specialist care above a shared care system. Access to shared care was facilitated by continuity of care in general practice but logistical factors such as affordability, transport and availability impacted the ability to access regular high-quality healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: Navigating patient priorities and anticipated stigma in general practice within the resource limitations of rural healthcare were barriers to effective shared care. General practitioners' ability to build rapport and long-term relationships with participants was instrumental in the perception of valuable care. Strategies are required to secure continuity of care with interpersonally skilled general practitioners to ensure provision of quality primary care for people living with HIV, which can be supported by specialist physicians in a shared care model.

What are the predictors of change in multimorbidity among people with HIV? A longitudinal observational cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Multimorbidity is common among people living with HIV (PLWH), with numerous cross-sectional studies demonstrating associations with older age and past immunosuppression. Little is known about the progression of multimorbidity, particularly in the setting of long-term access to antiretrovirals. This study aims to determine factors predictive of change in multimorbidity in PLWH. METHODS: People living with HIV who attended a regional HIV service were recruited to a consented observational cohort between September 2016 and March 2020. Demographic data, laboratory results and a Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) were collected at enrolment and first clinical review of every subsequent year. Change in CIRS score was calculated from enrolment to February 2021. Associations with change were determined through univariate and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Of 253 people, median age was 58.9 [interquartile range (IQR): 51.9-64.4] years, 91.3% were male, and HIV was diagnosed a median of 22.16 years (IQR: 12.1-30.9) beforehand. Length of time in the study was a median of 134 weeks (IQR: 89.0-179.0), in which a mean CIRS score change of 1.21 (SD 2.60) was observed. Being older (p < 0.001) and having a higher body mass index (p = 0.008) and diabetes (p = 0.014) were associated with an increased likelihood of worsening multimorbidity. PLWH with a higher level of multimorbidity at baseline were less likely to worsen over time (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: As diabetes and weight predict worsening multimorbidity, routine diabetes screening, body mass index measurement, and multimorbidity status awareness are recommended.

"You're actually part of the team": a qualitative study of a novel transitional role from medical student to doctor.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing transitions from final year of medical school and into first post graduate year has important implications for students, patients and the health care system. Student experiences during novel transitional roles can provide insights into potential opportunities for final year curricula. We explored the experiences of medical students in a novel transitional role and their ability to continue learning whilst working as part of a medical team. METHODS: Novel transitional role for final year medical students were created in partnership by medical schools and state health departments in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for a medical surge workforce. Final year medical students from an undergraduate entry medical school were employed as Assistants in Medicine (AiMs) in urban and regional hospitals. A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews at two time points was used to obtain experiences of the role from 26 AiMs. Transcripts were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis with Activity theory as a conceptual lens. RESULTS: This unique role was defined by the objective of supporting the hospital team. Experiential learning opportunities in patient management were optimized when AiMs had opportunities to contribute meaningfully. Team structure and access to the key instrument, the electronic medical record, enabled participants to contribute meaningfully, whilst contractual arrangements and payments formalized the obligations to contribute. CONCLUSIONS: The experiential nature of the role was facilitated by organizational factors. Structuring teams to involve a dedicated medical assistant position with specific duties and access to the electronic medical record sufficient to complete duties are key to successful transitional roles. Both should be considered when designing transitional roles as placements for final year medical students.

A qualitative analysis of the barriers and enablers faced by Australian rural general practitioners in the non-pharmacological management of congestive heart failure in community dwelling patients.

BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a significant health problem in Australia, and disproportionately affects rural Australians. Management of CHF in Australia is heavily centred around the general practitioner (GP). Australian and international literature indicates there is a gap between current and best practice in CHF management. There is little known about the non-pharmacological aspects of management, or CHF management in a rural Australian context. This study aimed to identify what Australian GPs practicing in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales, Australia, perceived were the barriers and enablers in the non-pharmacological management of CHF amongst community dwelling patients, to inform healthcare access, resourcing and delivery in Australian rural environments. METHODS: Qualitative study involving a realist thematic analysis of data collected from semi-structured face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Fifteen GPs and GP trainees participated. Four interlinked key themes underpinning GPs' experiences with non-pharmacological management of CHF were interpreted from the interview data: (1) resources, (2) complexity of heart failure, (3) relationships, and (4) patient demographics, priorities and views affect how patients engage with non-pharmacological management of CHF. CONCLUSION: Rural Australian GPs face considerable barriers to non-pharmacological management of CHF. The data suggests that increased rural Australian health services and community transportation, multidisciplinary management, and stronger professional networks have the potential to be invaluable enablers of CHF management. Further research exploring non-pharmacological management of CHF in other rural contexts may provide additional insights to better inform rural healthcare access and resourcing.

Trends in Follow-Up Visits Among People Living With HIV: Results From the TREAT Asia and Australian HIV Observational Databases.

BACKGROUND: Less frequent follow-up visits may reduce the burden on people living with HIV (PLHIV) and health care facilities. We aimed to assess trends in follow-up visits and survival outcomes among PLHIV in Asia and Australasia. SETTINGS: PLHIV enrolled in TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) or Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD) from 2008 to 2017 were included. METHODS: Follow-up visits included laboratory testing and clinic visit dates. Visit rates and survival were analyzed using repeated measure Poisson regression and competing risk regression, respectively. Additional analyses were limited to stable PLHIV with viral load <1000 copies/mL and self-reported adherence ≥95%. RESULTS: We included 7707 PLHIV from TAHOD and 3289 PLHIV from AHOD. Visit rates were 4.33 per person-years (/PYS) in TAHOD and 3.68/PYS in AHOD. Both TAHOD and AHOD showed decreasing visit rates in later calendar years compared with that in years 2008-2009 (P < 0.001 for both cohorts). Compared with PLHIV with 2 visits, those with ≥4 visits had poorer survival: TAHOD ≥4 visits, subhazard ratio (SHR) = 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16 to 3.03, P = 0.010; AHOD ≥4 visits, SHR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.97, P = 0.020; whereas those with ≤1 visit showed no differences in mortality. The association remained evident among stable PLHIV: TAHOD ≥4 visits, SHR = 5.79, 95% CI: 1.84 to 18.24, P = 0.003; AHOD ≥4 visits, SHR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.20 to 3.85, P = 0.010, compared with 2 visits. CONCLUSIONS: Both TAHOD and AHOD visit rates have declined. Less frequent visits did not affect survival outcomes; however, poorer health possibly leads to increased follow-up and higher mortality. Reducing visit frequency may be achievable among PLHIV with no other medical complications.

Multimorbidity, not human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) markers predicts unplanned admission among people with HIV in regional New South Wales.

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity and unplanned admissions are common among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). AIMS: To determine factors predictive of unplanned admission among PWH in regional New South Wales and compare care coordination between people with and without unplanned admissions. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of PWH attending a regional human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) service was conducted. Baseline HIV-specific results and multimorbidity markers including Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) were assessed as predictors of time to first unplanned admission using Cox regression analysis. Care coordination markers were compared between people with and without unplanned admission, using χ2 statistic for proportions and t-test for means. RESULTS: A cohort of 181 PWH was followed for a maximum of 5 years. During a total of 739 person-years of follow up, 39 (20.6%) patients reached the endpoint of unplanned admission. In multivariate analysis, the baseline CIRS score was predictive of unplanned admission (P < 0.001). Age, HIV-specific markers and missed visits were not predictive of unplanned admission. For patients with an unplanned admission, discharge summaries were documented for 22/39 (56.4%). Of 180 PWH with a visit after baseline, 131 (72.8%) had a letter to a general practitioner and 79 (43.7%) had two or more prescribers. Having two or more prescribers was more common in people with an unplanned admission than in those without (64.1% vs 38.0%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Unplanned admission among PWH is predicted by multimorbidity. Care for PWH should include coordinated management of other health conditions in order to reduce their severity and prevent unplanned admissions.

Multimorbidity among people with HIV in regional New South Wales, Australia.

UNLABELLED: Background Multimorbidity is the co-occurrence of more than one chronic health condition in addition to HIV. Higher multimorbidity increases mortality, complexity of care and healthcare costs while decreasing quality of life. The prevalence of and factors associated with multimorbidity among HIV positive patients attending a regional sexual health service are described. METHODS: A record review of all HIV positive patients attending the service between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012 was conducted. Two medical officers reviewed records for chronic health conditions and to rate multimorbidity using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with a higher CIRS score. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-nine individuals were included in the study; the mean age was 51.8 years and 92.6% were men. One-quarter (25.4%) had ever been diagnosed with AIDS. Multimorbidity was extremely common, with 54.5% of individuals having two or more chronic health conditions in addition to HIV; the most common being a mental health diagnosis, followed by vascular disease. In multivariate analysis, older age, having ever been diagnosed with AIDS and being on an antiretroviral regimen other than two nucleosides and a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or protease inhibitor were associated with a higher CIRS score. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study looking at associations with multimorbidity in the Australian setting. Care models for HIV positive patients should include assessing and managing multimorbidity, particularly in older people and those that have ever been diagnosed with AIDS.

Contact tracing for STIs - new resources and supportive evidence.

BACKGROUND: Contact tracing of sexual partners is an important part of the clinical management of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and initiation of contact tracing is the responsibility of the diagnosing clinician. Research has shown that some general practitioners would like to improve their skills in this area. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines new resources and evidence to assist GPs to initiate contact tracing when a patient is diagnosed with an STI. DISCUSSION: Most STIs are diagnosed in general practice so the involvement of GPs in contact tracing is crucial. The aims of contact tracing are to prevent re-infection of the index case, minimise complications and reduce the population prevalence of STIs in the community. Contact tracing begins with a conversation with the index patient about informing their sexual partner(s). The patient can then decide to inform their own contacts (patient referral) or organise for someone else to inform them (provider referral). Initiating contact tracing in general practice can be particularly effective if the resources and methods are tailored to the specific needs of the index patient. New resources provide clearer guidelines and tools to assist GPs in this area.

Vulval Crohn's disease.

We report a case of vulval Crohn's disease, the diagnosis of which was complicated by the presence of sexually transmissible infections.

Contact tracing in a regional sexual health clinic: audit outcomes and implications for sexually transmissible infection control.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate contact tracing outcomes in a regional sexual health clinic (SHC) and to investigate contact tracing outcome measures. METHOD: A retrospective audit of contact tracing activities for all 126 cases of Chlamydia trachomatis, 19 cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and two cases of early syphilis diagnosed during 2004 was conducted at a regional SHC in Queensland, Australia. RESULTS: Patient referral was used for almost all contact tracing. The ratio of index cases to contacts reported by the index case as known to be treated and seen at the clinic was 1:0.71 and 1:0.26 respectively. Ratios of index cases to contacts for chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea were similar. Records identified that past partners were treated less often than current regular partners and were rarely seen at the clinic. The ratio of total index cases to total clients seen as contacts, including contacts of index cases diagnosed elsewhere, was 1:0.52. IMPLICATIONS: Improving information and resources for index cases should be a priority of any contact tracing program, with a focus on strategies to increase contact tracing of past partners. A method of evaluating contact tracing processes can include summary outcome data such as the ratio of total index cases to total clients seen as contacts and the proportion of contacts testing positive. Such measures may be useful in evaluating new contact tracing strategies and may also be applicable for the development of a national standard for contact tracing.

An audit of contact tracing activities and records for chlamydia in an urban sexual health clinic.

The National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2005-2008 emphasised the importance of control of chlamydia and recognised contact tracing as an important health tool for this. This paper reports on a recent audit of contact tracing conducted at the Gold Coast Sexual Health Clinic.

Study of knowledge of genital herpes infection and attitudes to testing for genital herpes among antenatal clinic attendees.

A descriptive survey of knowledge of genital herpes and attitudes to testing was conducted among antenatal clinic attendees at the Gold Coast Hospital, Australia. The study subjects showed a good knowledge of genital herpes, to a level that appears sufficient for an informed choice regarding herpes serology testing to be made. A preference for testing for genital herpes was suggested. Although serological testing is not routinely required, the results of the study indicate that discussion of genital herpes should be considered in the antenatal clinic setting.