A Hepatitis C Educational Needs Assessment of Canadian Healthcare Providers

Abstract

Background and Aim. Despite advances in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), it remains a major public health problem in Canada and globally. The knowledge of healthcare providers (HCPs) is critical to improve the care of CHC in Canada. To assess the current knowledge and educational needs of healthcare providers (HCPs) in the area of CHC management a national online survey was conducted. Method. An interprofessional steering committee designed a 29-question survey distributed through various direct and electronic routes. The survey assessed several domains (e.g., participant and practice demographics, access to resources, knowledge of new treatments, and educational preferences). Results. A total of 163 HCPs responded to the survey. All hepatologists and 8% of primary care providers (PCPs) reported involvement in treatment of CHC. Physicians most frequently screened patients who had abnormal liver enzymes, while nurses tended to screen based on lifestyle factors. More than 70% of PCPs were not aware of new medications and their mechanisms. Conclusion. Overall, the needs assessment demonstrated that there was a need for further education, particularly for primary care physicians, to maximize the role that they can play in screening, testing, and treatment of hepatitis C in Canada.

Awareness and knowledge of hepatitis C among health care providers and the public: A scoping review

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scoping review that provides a snapshot of what health care providers and the general public know about HCV. Overall, health care providers know about the most common transmission routes and risk factors, whereas specialists are more up-to-date on treatments than primary care physicians (23,24). The general public is aware of HCV; however, some people do not know the difference between hepatitis A, B and C; there are misconceptions around routes of transmission; and some incorrectly believe that an HCV-preventable vaccine exists.…”

“…There were six studies on awareness of hepatitis C (11,12,14,17,18,24). The types of awareness varied across these studies: awareness of risk factors, of treatment, of one's own infection and of the existence of HCV.…”

“…The types of awareness varied across these studies: awareness of risk factors, of treatment, of one's own infection and of the existence of HCV. Four studies included findings on awareness of HCV by the general public (11,12,14,17), one on awareness of HCV by MSM (18) and one on awareness of treatment by Canadian health care providers (24).…”

“…Two recent studies, published after the new interferon-free DAA therapies became available, focused on knowledge of the curability of HCV (8,24).…”

“…Among health care providers, specialists (i.e., hepatologists, gastroenterologists, hepatology nurses) scored higher on knowledge statements about HCV treatment than general practitioners (GPs) (23,24). Of the 10 primary care physicians surveyed, seven were unsure or not aware of the new interferon-free DAAs and were not sure about the mechanisms of action (24).…”