The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Decision Tool for the Screening and Evaluation of Hepatitis C (HCV) will help gastroenterologists in the early management of HCV-positive patients, according to a new paper in Gastroenterology, the journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. Chronic HCV has a significant impact on the adult population and is a disease for which much progress has been made in its treatment.
"The publication of this clinical decision support tool marks a milestone for the AGA," according to John I. Allen, MD, MPH, AGAF, chair of the Hepatitis C Screening and Evaluation Task Force and president-elect of the AGA Institute. "This tool is the first in a series of care pathways that the AGA is developing as part of the Roadmap to the Future of GI, which is designed to provide gastroenterologists with the tools they need to thrive in an accountable care world."
The recommendations for population based screening by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Â and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (all people born between 1945 and 1965) were created in an effort to identify the 2.7 to 3.9 million Americans living with chronic HCV infection. The identification of this population and the subsequent management of the disease will overwhelm the current capacity of hepatologists. It is vital, therefore, that general gastroenterologists engage in the management of HCV patients.
The HCV Clinical Decision Tool is unique in that each decision point was evaluated and graded for its strength of evidence and strength of recommendation. It was designed to aid gastroenterologists in the early management of HCV-positive patients through an evidence-based, cost effective initial evaluation of HCV-positive patients.
"As the U.S. moves into a healthcare delivery world constrained by financial pressures and characterized by accountable care, risk contracting for population management and reimbursements tied to outcomes, the tools created by the AGA will aid gastroenterologists to redesign their practice to meet these challenges," says Allen.
Source: American Gastroenterological Association
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.