A stepped wedge cluster randomized control trial of dried blood spot testing to improve the uptake of hepatitis C antibody testing within UK prisons

摘要: Background: The prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) is elevated within prison populations, yet diagnosis in prisons remains low. Dried blood spot testing (DBST) a simple procedure for the detection HCV antibodies; its impact on context unknown. Methods: We carried out stepped-wedge cluster-randomized control trial DBST among prisoners five male and one female prison. Each was separate cluster. order which intervention (training use logistic support) introduced randomized across clusters. outcome measure rate by Imputation analysis to account missing data. Planned actual times differed some prisons; data were thus analysed intention treat (ITT) observed step times. Results: There insufficient evidence an effect using either ITT time (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.68–1.03; P = 0.088) or 0.86; 0.71–1.06; 0.153). This confirmed pooled results imputed sets. Conclusions: as stand-alone increase UK setting. Factors such staff training allocation regular clinics are key improving service delivery. demonstrate that can conduct rigorous studies new interventions, but collection be problematic. Trial registration: International Standard Randomized Controlled Number Register (ISRCTN number ISRCTN05628482).