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Infectious Disease
Hepatitis C – Simplifying the role of the GP in diagnosis and treatment – QI&CPD – Category 2
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infection which, when present for more than 6 months, is defined as chronic. Transmission of HCV is almost exclusively parenteral, with global prevalence estimates among injecting drug users (IDUs) reported at 67%. In Australia, most new hepatitis C infections are related to the sharing of injecting equipment. Chronic HCV affects approximately 200,000 individuals in Australia, commonly causing chronic liver disease, which in many cases can lead to cirrhosis, decompensated disease, liver cancer or death. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with chronic HCV, however, it has been estimated that less than 2% of those infected receive treatment.
DURATION
1.5 hrs
PROFESSION
Physician
# OF CREDITS
3
ACCREDITATION
QI & CPD - Category 2
EXPIRY DATE
2019-11-01
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infection which, when present for more than 6 months, is defined as chronic. Transmission of HCV is almost exclusively parenteral, with global prevalence estimates among injecting drug users (IDUs) reported at 67%. In Australia, most new hepatitis C infections are related to the sharing of injecting equipment. Chronic HCV affects approximately 200,000 individuals in Australia, commonly causing chronic liver disease, which in many cases can lead to cirrhosis, decompensated disease, liver cancer or death. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with chronic HCV, however, it has been estimated that less than 2% of those infected receive treatment.
Faculty
Jacob George
MB, PhD, BS, FRACP
Professor, University of Sydney
Dept Head, Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Westmead Hospital
Westmead, NSW
Jeff Allen Regnis
BMed, PhD, FRACGP
Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW
Learning objectives
After completing this education module, participants will have increased confidence in:
- Identifying and assessing at-risk patients for hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Outlining a treatment approach for patients with mild to moderate hepatitis C in the general practice setting
- Minimising barriers to treatment adherence as part of the hepatitis C management plan, including adverse effects and drug interactions*
- Recognising those patients with HCV who can be managed in primary care and those requiring referral to a specialist