'Think Hep B' in primary care: 'A before-and-after evaluation of a self-guided learning package'

• Published in: Australian journal of general practice Vol. 49; no. 1/2; pp. 66 - 69
• Main Authors: Xiao, Yinzong, van Gemert, Caroline, Howell, Jess, Adamson, Emily, Towell, Vanessa, Cowie, Benjamin C, Thompson, Alex J, Hellard, Margaret
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sydney Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Diagnosis; Hepatitis; Hepatitis B; Medicine; Outcome assessment (Medical care); Practice; Treatment
• ISSN: 2208-7958; 2208-7958
• DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-10-18-4739

Background and objective: In Australia, over a third of individuals living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain undiagnosed. Evidence suggests general practitioners (GPs) can be uncertain regarding whom to test. The aim of this study was to evaluate an educational resource for improving GPs' knowledge about whom to test for CHB. Methods: Following a 2014 baseline survey that identified gaps in CHB knowledge among GPs in Victoria, an educational resource package was developed. Using a follow-up survey, the resource was evaluated by comparing the beforeand- after CHB-related knowledge. Results: Sixty-five GPs responded to both the baseline and follow-up survey. Their knowledge of populations at high risk of CHB who require testing was significantly greater following the intervention than at baseline. Discussion: Concise, clear and practical resources can support GPs when identifying whom to test for hepatitis B.