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A survey of Australian general practitioners' hepatitis C knowledge and management 2 years after subsidised direct-acting antiviral therapy became available.

Gooey M, Wong E, Pedrana A, Allard N, Doyle J, Hellard M, Wade A

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  • Journal Sexual health

  • Published 05 Oct 2021

  • Volume 17

  • ISSUE 4

  • Pagination 387-389

  • DOI 10.1071/SH19189

Abstract

In 2016, hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) became available in Australia. A group of general practitioners (GPs) were surveyed twice to assess hepatitis C knowledge and management; 191/1000 (19.1%) responded at baseline, 164/938 (17.5%) at follow up. Participants' mean Knowledge score increased: baseline 5.75 (95% CI 5.61-5.91), follow up 6.09 (95% CI 5.95-6.22; P <0.01). At follow up, 36/163 (22%) had prescribed DAAs compared with 23/187 (12%) at baseline (χ2(1) = 5.95, P = 0.02); however, 67/150 (45%) were unsure of treatment eligibility for people who inject drugs. Additional support for GPs is warranted to ensure optimal hepatitis C management in primary care.