Table 2.

 Subthemes identified from data analysis

Dimension	Subthemes
Awareness
Barriers	Limited knowledge regarding HCV and associated care among people experiencing homelessness and among support staff Misconceptions Negative stories about experiences of interferon treatment Limited advocacy for HCV services by shelter staff Fear of receiving positive results
Facilitators	Raising awareness among people experiencing homelessness and among shelter staff about HCV, treatment, etc. Improving awareness about addiction issues among service providers Outreach activities
Acceptability
Barriers	Mistrust of healthcare providers and government institutions Perceived stigma and discrimination Fear of side effects of treatment Strict eligibility criteria
Facilitators	Effective communication and relationships with staff Patient‐centred services Nourishing relationships with partners and families Prompts by providers Integrating rapid HCV testing in the intake process of shelter settings Transitioning into a ‘healthier’ life
Accommodation
Barriers	Lived experience of homelessness and associated morbidities Unstable housing Incarceration Illegal residency status Limited language skills Inflexibility with the appointment system and timings Lack of appropriate infrastructure to treat HCV and workforce constraints at the shelter level Shelter policies and rules, e.g., around drug use
Facilitators	Providers' organizational leadership and culture Multiagency partnership building Information sharing Peer support Ensuring privacy Reminders Establishing clear communication channels
Affordability
Barriers	Perceived cost of treatment High out‐of‐pocket expenses Lack of insurance coverage Strict insurance requirements
Facilitators	Improving awareness of welfare programmes and resources Providing support with accommodation or transport Financial incentives
Accessibility
Barriers	Distant location of clinic or hospital Lack of transport
Facilitators	Adaptable model of delivery Continuity of care Proximity of clinics Integration of services at one location
Availability
Barriers	Intermittent attendance Long time between diagnosis and treatment Long time to wait on the day
Facilitators	Short waiting times Flexibility and adaptability

Abbreviation: HCV, hepatitis C virus.