Patient and public contribution
LIVER, ABUSE, RECRUITMENT, CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE
This investigation is a study of patient involvement in which patient‐ participants were interviewed to understand the meaning of an HCV cure. Before the randomized controlled trial, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of facilitated telemedicine integrated into OTPs for HCV treatment. When the pilot study concluded, we held a focus group and produced a testimonial video of patients' endorsement of facilitated telemedicine. We presented the testimonial video at site initiation meetings for the randomized controlled trial. The testimonial video, along with in‐person appearances from pilot study participants, promoted site recruitment during the randomized controlled trial. To fully represent patients' voices, we established a Patient Advisory Committee (PAC). As active research participants, the PAC identified areas that required clarification and enabled course‐correction of study procedures.The PAC also identified the importance of HCV education, a task that was addressed through public involvement with the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation and the American Liver Foundation, two organizations whose primary mission is patient and provider education. Additionally, we involved the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), the state agency that governs a network of OTPs in New York State, as well as the corresponding federal agency, the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, in addressing educational concerns related to HCV. In terms of the trial, OASAS assisted in site recruitment, provided input on the study protocol, and approved study procedures before initiation. We also established a Sustainability Committee, comprised of stakeholders from academic institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical and diagnostic corporations. The Committee provided feedback on study procedures and made recommendations for the future sustainability of facilitated telemedicine. The public engagement occurred through educational endeavours conducted in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, such as the development of a statewide telemedicine workgroup and a telemedicine implementation toolkit (