Andalusia to use artificial intelligence to detect untreated hepatitis C patients

The Department of Health and Consumer Affairs uses artificial intelligence/data mining strategies to detect patients who have been diagnosed with hepatitis C but are not receiving treatment for the disease. As the ministry explains, it is used to recruit or find these “lost” patients and is conducted in addiction treatment centers, which are in addition to those treated in primary care or hospitals.

This measure is part of a series of prevention and diagnostic activities launched by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs through the Hepatitis C Programme, which aims to ensure that 90% of people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are diagnosed and that the annual incidence rate is below Or equal to 5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and 2 cases per 100 drug abusers.

The initiative is implemented through coordinated action between the General Directorate of Social Care, Mental Health and Addiction; the General Directorate of Public Health and Medicines Regulation; and the Andalusian Health Services Information Management Technical Advisory Branch. This joint work allows us to understand which patients who are eligible for treatment and who are receiving addiction treatment are not yet receiving treatment so that they can begin treatment and be cured of their hepatitis C.

Likewise, the same campaign is underway to eliminate hepatitis C among patients treated in mental health units, a group with higher rates of hepatitis C infection than the general population, using the same model to target patients. receive treatment.

In addition to these last two actions, the initial phase of the elimination plan will launch programs aimed at diagnosing patients who have never been tested for hepatitis C.

The Hepatitis C Elimination Plan in Andalusia is launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs through the Directorate General of Public Health and Medicines and considers actions from different areas of action to promote awareness and stimulate proactive action. Policies for the management and treatment of the disease.

Andalusia recommends “opportunistic” age screening for people aged 50-59, the group with the highest seroprevalence. For this purpose, a pilot project is planned, covering 8,000 users from four different health regions and the province of Andalusia. After analyzing the active infection data obtained, we will be able to assess whether it is necessary to extend the study to the entire population of that health Class, age class.

In order to take a comprehensive approach to combating viral hepatitis, the Andalusian Hepatitis Response Plan (PEAHEP) is being developed in collaboration with the Andalusian School of Public Health.

The plan will include actions from the Hepatitis C Program and a set of strategic goals, guidelines and actions that address the management of patients with hepatitis A, B and D.

The situation analysis is currently in the final stages and an epidemiological analysis, patient and professional opinions, needs and expectations regarding the treatment of patients with hepatitis has been prepared.