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This forum presents findings from a study on the use of telehealth for hepatitis C treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by researchers at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, this qualitative interview-based project aimed to understand the benefits, limitations, and effects of the use of telehealth for hepatitis C treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The forum will also include the launch of the report based on the findings from the study and discuss its key recommendations for the hepatitis C sector. The report synthesises the main findings of the project and makes recommendations to support the hepatitis C sector in optimising the use of telehealth where it is effective and valuable.

The forum will involve a panel discussion on the implications of the research findings and recommendations and will invite thoughts from panel participants on how these recommendations might inform sector development and the uptake of telehealth.

Speakers in order of appearance: Emily Lenton (Project Coordinator, BBV Program, ARCSHS, La Trobe University); Prof Suzanne Fraser (Director, ARCSHS, La Trobe University); Carrie Fowlie (CEO, Hepatitis Australia); Dr David Iser (Gastroenterologist, St Vincent’s Hospital/Scope Gastroenterology; Esha Leyden (Peer Harm Reduction Worker, QuIHN); Dr Renae Fomiatti (Research Officer, ARCSHS, La Trobe University) and Dr Frances Shaw (Research Officer, ARCSHS, La Trobe University).

We invite all relevant healthcare practitioners, service providers, researchers and other professionals working in hepatitis C healthcare, policy, advocacy and research to attend.

The report is now available for download.

The launch is now available for viewing:

About the presenters

Emily Lenton

Emily Lenton is a Research and Project Officer at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, working on qualitative projects that seek to improve the lives of people affected by hepatitis C. Emily has worked extensively in research, workforce development and health promotion relating to blood-borne viruses.

Professor Suzanne Fraser

Professor Suzanne Fraser is Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, and Visiting Professorial Fellow at the Centre for Social Research in Health at the University of New South Wales. Her research focuses on alcohol and other drug consumption, the body, gender, health and the self.

Carrie Fowlie

Carrie Fowlie is the CEO of Hepatitis Australia, the national peak body representing the state and territory hepatitis organisations and the interests of 350,000 Australians impacted by hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Carrie has two decades of peak body, policy and social justice experience. Her collaborative work has resulted in policy, programs and law reform consistent with the evidence and the priorities of her constituencies.

Dr David Iser

Dr David Iser is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist who consults broadly on disorders of the liver and gut. He is skilled in Endoscopy (Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy), PillCam and FibroScan.Dr Iser holds dual public hospital appointments in Melbourne at St Vincent’s Hospital and The Alfred and travels to Bairnsdale Hospital monthly. He also consults with and offers continuing care to remotely located patients requiring special access via the telehealth program.

Esha Leyden

Esha Leyden is a Peer Harm Reduction Worker at the Queensland Injectors Health Network. She provides support and education to people seeking information and help relating to hepatitis C and the safer use of injecting drugs. She has lived experience of hepatitis C, treatment, and injecting drugs, which allows her to have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by community, and their ongoing needs.

Dr Renae Fomiatti

Dr Renae Fomiatti is a Research Officer at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University. She conducts qualitative research on alcohol and other drug use and recovery, health and gender. Her research is informed by contemporary feminist theory and Science and Technology Studies. She previously held an appointment at the National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University.

Dr Frances Shaw

Dr Frances Shaw is a Research Officer at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University. She has an interdisciplinary background spanning media and cultural studies, political theory, women’s and gender studies, and sociology. Her most recent work has focused on the relationships between technology and health, digital health activism and advocacy, technology ethics, and digital healthcare.

Access

If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please let us know and we will make every effort to accommodate you.