Table 4 Summary of key findings, outcomes and strength of evidence
Outcome | Study designs/ No. Studies | Findings and Direction of Effect | GRAD E[21] |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Uptake of HCV treatment | RCT – 2 Cohort – 3 Observational – 5 | Two RCTs assessed as having low risk of bias reported a positive effect on uptake with precision and a consistent positive direction of effect. One cohort study assessed as having medium-grade study limitations also reported a positive effect on uptake. | Medium |
2. Completion of Treatment | Cohort - 1 Observational - 2 | One cohort study with medium study limitations reported a positive direction of effect on uptake. | Low |
3. Sustained Viral Response at 12 weeks (%)(SVR12) | RCT −2 Cohort - 4 Observational - 11 | Two RCTs assessed as having low risk of bias reported a positive effect on SVR but were imprecise in the estimate of effect size. Four cohort studies and 11 observational studies with over 10,000 participants all reported a consistent positive direction of effect, but with significant study limitations. | Medium |