Unique gap identified in treating city’s most vulnerable citizens

People with hepatitis C who inject drugs are some of society’s most vulnerable citizens and also the most challenging to medically treat. Better outcomes are achieved, however, when social barriers are addressed in step with medical treatment, concludes a study conducted by the University of Victoria and a Victoria inner-city health clinic.

Dr. Bruce Wallace, an assistant professor with UVic’s School of Social Work, is co-author of a study on the multi-disciplinary treatment model used at the Cool Aid Community Health Clinic to treat people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who inject drugs.

The research group argues that medical treatment will be ineffectual if methods are not in place to address the complex social issues facing those who need this care.

“The gap in treatment has less to do with medicine, where significant advances are now in place,” says Wallace, “and has more to do with doctor-clinic-patient relationships based on trust and empathy to break down barriers that interfere with treatment plans.”

The clinic operates a ‘one-stop-shop’ for care, rather than referring patients elsewhere, reducing the risk of patients opting out of treatment.

Alongside clinical care, there is a multidisciplinary response to complex barriers such as substance use, mental health, trauma, poverty, homelessness, criminalization, cultural issues, stigma and marginalization.

The study concludes public investment in primary care treatment coupled with relevant supports that address social barriers is essential to ensure effective care and improved outcomes.

The study was published in the October edition of the International Journal on Drug Policy and is available free online until Nov. 8, 2015.

Wallace, a collaborating scientist with UVic’s Centre for Addictions Research of BC, often works with non-profit and consumer-led agencies focused on reducing harm and assisting individuals who live in dire poverty, are homeless and contending with health and substance use issues. He has applied his research to other projects with the Cool Aid Community Health Clinic including the creation of BC’s first community dental clinic more than 12 years ago.

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