A study to determine knowledge, attitudes and practice among Maine primary care providers (PCPs) and gastroenterologists regarding Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection was taken up on behalf of the Portland Public Health Division and supported in part by an unrestricted education grant from Schering. A paper survey that was sent to all PCPs and gastroenterologists (438) in Maine, with an option of completing the survey by telephone, yielded a response rate of 51%. Results indicate that gastroenterologists are providing most of the care to HCV patients. 89% of PCPs are currently seeing fewer than 10 HCV patients and 74% have seen fewer than 10 HCV patients in the past 3 years. Knowledge gaps in gastroenterologists include needle-stick transmission, unprotected sex with HCV positive partner and reporting HCV. Among PCPs, there are gaps in knowledge about transmission of HCV, systemic effects, diagnostic test, reporting and self-administration of treatment. Nearly all PCP's and gastroenterologists believe that counseling for positive and negative should be provided at the testing centers. 70% of both PCPs and gastroenterologists are in favor of referring patients with HCV to gastroenterologists. With a growing rate of HCV infected people, these findings have implications in determining public policy regarding education of PCPs and gastroenterologists. As numbers increase, gastroenterologists will be unable to provide care to all HCV patients and PCPs must be prepared to take over the care of these people. Hence, PCPs must receive training to manage HCV infection and steps must be taken to address knowledge gaps in gastroenterologists.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Primary Care,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.