A survey of knowledge, attitudes, barriers and support needs in providing hepatitis B care among GPs practising in Australia

Xiao, Y; van Gemert, C; Howell, J; Wallace, John; Richmond, Jacqueline; Adamson, E; Thompson, A; Hellard, M

doi:10.26181/21251913.v1

A survey of knowledge, attitudes, barriers and support needs in providing hepatitis B care among GPs practising in Australia

journal contribution

posted on 2022-09-30, 06:26 authored by Y Xiao, C van Gemert, J Howell, John WallaceJohn Wallace, Jacqueline Richmond, E Adamson, A Thompson, M Hellard

Background: In Australia, only 22% of people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are clinically managed; and a national effort is engaging primary care workforce in providing CHB-related care. This study explored CHB-related knowledge, attitudes, barriers and support needs of general practitioners (GPs). Methods: A survey was sent to a random sample of 1,000 Australian GPs in April- October 2018; 134 of 978 eligible GPs completed the questionnaire (14%). Results: Respondents had high knowledge of at-risk populations (> 79%) and hepatitis B serology (82%), and most saw hepatitis B testing and monitoring as part of their work (95% and 86%, respectively). However, the survey revealed low knowledge, awareness and intention with respect to hepatitis B treatment: 23% correctly understood treatment initiation; 40% were aware that treatment for CHB could be dispensed in the community; 23% agreed that prescribing was part of their work. Lack of time was considered the greatest barrier (38%) and clear guidelines was the most important facilitator to providing care (72%). Conclusion: Interventions are needed to generate interest and skills to provide CHB-related care by GPs.

Funding

The authors wish to acknowledge operational support through the Victorian Operational Infrastructure Support Program received by Burnet Institute. JH, AJT, CvG, JW and MH receive fellowship support from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. YX is supported by the Melbourne Research Scholarship. JH is supported by a University of Melbourne Faculty Trust Fellowship.

History

Publication Date

2022-06-02

Journal

BMC Primary Care

Volume

23

Issue

1

Article Number

137

Pagination

8p.

Publisher

Springer Nature

ISSN

2731-4553

Rights Statement

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