This study aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing critical value management combined with push short messaging service (SMS) on enhancing the referral rates of patients testing positive for hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV). Patients with positive anti-HCV results between January 1, 2015, and October 31, 2021, did not receive any specific intervention. From November 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022, patients who tested positive were notified through critical value management and push SMS. For hospitalized patients, a qualified physician coordinated with an infectious disease specialist for consultation, whereas outpatients were directed to visit the liver disease clinic. Statistical analyses, including the chi-square correlation test, one-sided two-proportion test, and linear regression, were conducted to assess the association between the intervention and referral outcomes. Among 638,308 individuals tested for anti-HCV, 5,983 were positive. Of the referred patients, 51.8% were aged 18–59 years, while 10.8% were ≥ 75 years old. The chi-square correlation test indicated a significant association between the intervention and referral rate (P = .0000, P < .05). A one-sided two-proportion test comparing pre (p₁) and post-intervention (p₂) referral rates yielded significant results using normal approximation and Fisher’s exact test (P = 0.000, P < .05), supporting the hypothesis that p₁ − p₂ < 0. Linear regression analysis produced the equation: referral = 0.1396 × intervention + 0.3743 (P = 8.79e−09, P < .05), confirming a significant effect of the intervention with a coefficient of 0.1396. The combined strategies of critical value management and push SMS were significantly associated with referral rates among patients with positive anti-HCV results.
