Connecting Local Providers to Academic Medical Centers Using Video Improved Hepatitis C Outcomes

This report discusses a study showing how available technology, expert training, and real-time feedback helped to ensure that patients treated for hepatitis C in local communities did as well as patients treated at a university-based medical center. Using videoconference or teleconference lines, community-based medical teams, including physicians and nurses, participated in weekly clinics with specialists, in which they collaborated on treatment plans using evidence-based treatment approaches. HCV infection was cured at a similar rate for patients who were treated at the community-based settings as patients who were treated at the university clinic.