A new study led by WashU Medicine in St. Louis is transforming how postpartum patients receive treatment for Hepatitis C. Dr. Jeannie Kelly, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound, helped launch a “meds to beds” program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital to ensure patients leave the hospital with antiviral medication in hand, rather than just a referral.
The program, developed in collaboration with WashU Medicine infectious disease specialists, has doubled cure rates for participating women and is now expanding hospital-wide. Dr. Kelly says the initiative not only protects mothers and babies from infection but also builds lasting trust in the health care system.