What are the barriers to testing for hepatitis C in emergency departments? Elizabeth Tracey reports

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Hepatitis C is a worldwide problem, with millions of people infected who don’t even know it. We do have effective treatment and untreated infection can result in liver failure and death, so a new study attempted to implement free testing in the emergency department. Disappointingly, less than 20% of people agreed to be screened. Drug efficacy expert Caleb Alexander at Johns Hopkins reacts.

Alexander: I am surprised by that. I don't know what amount of information was given to patients. While it's a choice that patients have to make that choice is informed by the way that the testing is framed. It still is striking and revelatory and I think it speaks to the importance of some of the challenges that are faced in trying to align care with clinical guidelines and also some of the responsibility of clinicians to ensure patients are well informed about the risks and benefits and alternatives to treatments.      :32

Alexander notes that drugs to treat hepatitis C are up to 97% effective. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.