BackgroundIt is increasingly being recognized that the elimination of HCV requires a multidisciplinary approach and effective cooperation between primary and secondary care.ObjectivesAs part of a project (HepCare Europe) to integrate primary and secondary care for patients at risk of or infected with HCV, we developed a multidisciplinary educational Masterclass series for healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in primary care in Dublin and Bucharest. This article aims to describe and evaluate the series and examine how this model might be implemented into practice.MethodsGPs and other HCPs working in primary care, addiction treatment services and NGOs were invited to eight 1 day symposia (HCV Masterclass series), examining the burden and management of HCV in key populations. Peer-support sessions were also conducted, to give people affected by HCV and community-based organizations working with those directly affected, an update on the latest developments in HCV treatment.ResultsOne hundred percent of participants ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that the Masterclass helped them to appreciate the role of integrated services in ‘the management of patients with HCV’. One hundred percent of participants indicated the importance of a ‘designated nurse to liaise with hospital services’. An improvement of knowledge regarding HCV management of patients with high-risk behaviour was registered at the end of the course.ConclusionsIntegrated approaches to healthcare and improving the knowledge of HCPs and patients of the latest developments in HCV treatment are very important strategies that can enhance the HCV care pathway and treatment outcomes.

Integrating Primary and Secondary Care to Optimise Hepatitis C Treatment: Development and Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Educational 'Masterclass' Series Conclusion: This paper highlights the potential importance of integrated approaches to healthcare and also addressing the educational level of the patients in optimising hepatitis C care in the community, strategies that can enhance effective implementation.

Integrating primary and secondary care to optimise hepatitis c treatment: Development and evaluation of a multidisciplinary educational 'Masterclass' series