The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society have released the
Hepatitis B Patient and Clinical Practice Survey report.
This study investigated hepatitis B knowledge and experience of
hepatitis B clinical management in liver clinics and general practice
among people living with chronic hepatitis B.
This study was conducted
in two phases using qualitative and quantitative methods. Phase one
consisted of semi-structured interviews with 10 people with chronic
hepatitis B, and 13 clinicians experienced in providing hepatitis B
related clinical care. Phase two is a questionnaire-based survey among
93 people with chronic hepatitis B.
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Educational interventions
are needed to improve the knowledge of people with hepatitis B about
their infection, with a particular focus on misconceptions about
transmission, the silent nature of the infection, and available
treatments options.
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Educational interventions
need to address the needs of people living with hepatitis B with a low
level of academic education and English proficiency.
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Clinical assessment and
management of chronic hepatitis B needs to extend beyond biological
evaluations and recognise and address psychological health and social
life needs. Counselling could address the most common concerns,
including feeling worried about getting liver cancer and infecting other
people.
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The most common complaints
of people with hepatitis B in attending the liver clinics related to
limited logistic and human resources capacity of liver clinics.
Developing a model of hepatitis B shared care that engages GPs could
shift a considerable load of liver clinic clients to general practices
which are easier access and have more flexible working hours.
Source: ASHM Labels: Australia, Hepatitis B Patient and Clinical Practice Survey report