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Implications for Social Workers: Click on the link at left to go to your desired page: Introduction Page 2 Page 3 Study 1 Study 2 Study 3 Conclusion Implication for Social Workers Post-Test Chronic hepatitis C is difficult to treat and can be progressive if not treated. Relevant patient and family decisions regarding therapy should include considerations for an increased life expectancy, versus treatment costs and the likelihood of adverse events associated with untreated disease. And although these side effects can be severe and there may be uncertainty concerning the effectiveness of treatment at first, most studies concur that pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin is the therapy of choice for patients 18 years or older. And social workers need to be aware that compliance to weekly injections of peginterferon and daily ribavirin are key to the therapy's success. Family and social issues that threaten patient compliance with this therapy need to be dealt with quickly and appropriately. As part of the treatment process, it must be acknowledged by the treatment team that issues related to the contraction of hepatitis C and the long-term effects of such a chronic disease will most likely have adversely affected both patient and family. Therefore, the role of the clinical social worker as part of the multidisciplinary team is to foster support for improved coping and quality of life during therapy administration. Social work interventions should include the following:
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