OBJECTIVE: A significant proportion of Australians with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains undiagnosed and unaware of their risk of liver disease and cancer. This study explored the hepatitis B testing and diagnostic experiences of people with CHB, general practitioners (GPs) and primary care nurses. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people who have CHB (n = 19), GPs (n = 14) and nurses (n = 5). RESULTS: The majority of patient participants with CHB were not provided with information prior to being tested, and were shocked to receive a diagnosis. Neither GPs nor nurses noted Australia's National hepatitis B testing policy as guiding their practice, and hepatitis B con-tact tracing was poorly executed. DISCUSSION: Patient participants' diagnostic experiences did not correspond with national policy recommendations. GPs and nurses need resources to provide accurate information when testing and diagnosing hepatitis B, and clear guidance about their role in contact tracing.
OBJECTIVE: A significant proportion of Australians with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains undiagnosed and unaware of their risk of liver disease and cancer. This study explored the hepatitis B testing and diagnostic experiences of people with CHB, general practitioners (GPs) and primary care nurses. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people who have CHB (n = 19), GPs (n = 14) and nurses (n = 5). RESULTS: The majority of patientparticipants with CHB were not provided with information prior to being tested, and were shocked to receive a diagnosis. Neither GPs nor nurses noted Australia's National hepatitis B testing policy as guiding their practice, and hepatitis B con-tact tracing was poorly executed. DISCUSSION: Patientparticipants' diagnostic experiences did not correspond with national policy recommendations. GPs and nurses need resources to provide accurate information when testing and diagnosing hepatitis B, and clear guidance about their role in contact tracing.
Authors: Yinzong Xiao; Caroline van Gemert; Jess Howell; Jack Wallace; Jacqueline Richmond; Emily Adamson; Alexander Thompson; Margaret Hellard Journal: BMC Prim Care Date: 2022-06-02