P166 Semi-qualitative feedback from individuals living with HBV newly diagnosed in the emergency department ED opt-out testing program high acceptability but better platforms of advocacy and support required

<h3></h3> Widespread opportunistic screening is critical to achieving WHO elimination goals for BBV. In areas of high (&gt;5/1000) HIV prevalence, NHS England launched ‘opt out’ testing for BBV in London Emergency Departments (EDs) with integrated linkage to care. In the first 18 months of testing a cohort of new HBV diagnoses were found at King’s College Hospital, which serves a multi-ethnic population. We collected semi-formalised qualitative feedback from those with newly diagnosed HBV who had been linked to care. The aim was to assess their experience with the opt-out screening process, their knowledge of HBV and what holistic support they require. Between November 2022 and April 2024, a total of 173 patients were newly diagnosed with HBV out of 434477 tests performed. Telephone interviews were conducted with 89/153 (58%) of patients that had been linked to care. Demographic data and feedback regarding their knowledge and experience was collected. 89/153 (58%) consented to be interviewed. 9/89 (10%) were ages ranging from 21–30, 14/89 (16%) 31–40, 21/89 (24%) 41–50, 19/89 (21%) 51–60, 12/89 (13%) 61–70 and 14/89 (16%) over 71. 64/89 (72%) were of Black- African/Caribbean/British ethnicity, 13/89 (15%) White, 10/89 (11%) Asian and 2/89 (2%) mixed ethnicity. 4/89 (5%) had no formal education, 5/89 (6%) primary education, 33/89 (37%) secondary education, 10/89 (11%) vocational education and 36/89 (40%) university degrees.19 different languages were reported as first language. 56/89 (63%) live within the bottom 30% most deprived areas in England. 66/89 (78%) reported no prior knowledge of HBV and 61/89 (69%) were at first alarmed by their diagnosis. 76/89 (85%) believed testing of BBV and receiving a diagnosis through opt-out testing was beneficial. 55/89 (62%) had asked their family and close contacts to be tested. Only 18/89 (18%) were aware of the peer-led support group, HepB companion. Rating their knowledge of HBV now on a scale of 1–5, 5/89 (5%) rated their knowledge a 1 (very poor), 15/89 (17%) 2 (poor), 26/89 (29%) 3 (good), 21/89 (24%) 4 (very good) and 22/89 (25%) 5 (excellent). 18/89 (18%) knew about novel therapy. Feedback from newly diagnosed individuals living with HBV, shows acceptability of the ED opt-out scheme. Linkage to care has improved their knowledge and patients feel comfortable discussing HBV with close contacts. However, more easily accessible information that reaches out to diverse communities with holistic support and education, allied to opportunities for novel therapy, and provision of a patient advocacy platform is required