Available online 25 April 2017, doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.03.015
Research paper
Managing expense and expectation in a treatment revolution: Problematizing prioritisation through an exploration of hepatitis C treatment ‘benefit’
Magdalena Harris
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H9SH, UK
Received 8 November 2016. Revised 8 March 2017. Accepted 22 March 2017. Available online 25 April 2017.
Abstract
Background
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have transformed the hepatitis C (HCV) treatment landscape. These highly effective drugs are, however, not available to all. In a context of DAA rationing, clinicians are advised to “manage patient expectations” about the benefits of a HCV cure. This directive particularly pertains to people with minimal liver damage and those who have ceased injecting: populations negated in contemporary prioritisation debates.
Methods
This paper engages with the assumptions underpinning HCV treatment prioritisation discourses to explore the concept of treatment ‘benefit’ from patient perspectives. Data are from a qualitative longitudinal study exploring treatment transitions and decision-making from 2012–2015. Participants comprised 28 people living with HCV, ten treatment providers and eight stakeholders, based in London, United Kingdom (UK). One hundred hours of clinic observations were conducted at two HCV treatment hospitals. Thematic analyses pertaining to treatment expectation and outcome inform this paper.
Results
Twenty-two participants commenced treatment. The majority who were unable to access DAAs chose to commence interferon-based treatment immediately rather than wait. Participants accounted for treatment urgency in relation to three interrelated narratives of hope and expectation. HCV treatment promised: social reconnection; social redemption and a return to ‘normality’. For many with successful treatment outcomes, these benefits appeared to be realised.
Conclusion
The DAA era heralds a discursive shift: from ‘managing [interferon] risk and difficulty’ to ‘managing [DAA] expense and expectation’. Calls to ‘manage patient expectations’ about the benefits of HCV cure are predicated on clinical benefits only, negating the social impacts of living with HCV. The public health priorities commonly articulated in treatment prioritisation debates are not consistent with those of people managing illness in their daily lives. During this ‘treatment revolution’ there is a need to be cognisant of the multiple publics living with the virus and the treatment needs of those who do not fit population-health scenarios.
Keywords
Hepatitis C
Treatment benefit
Prioritisation
Rationing
Patient expectations
Qualitative research
© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
G2, infected maybe in 1971?
Diagnosed HVnon-A non-B 1980s, revised to HVC 1990's.
Treatment naive. Fibroscan & bloods all normal ranges.
Viral load 7million,
began Redemption trial4, 12-week generic Sof/Vel (Incepta) 2017. Week 4 UND, Week 12UND, SVR24
Thank-yous to my doctor for the script, to Jan at FixHepC for wrangling, and to Dr Freeman for courage.
Kia kaha e hoa ma!
