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Hepatitis C identification and management by family physicians
Elizabeth C Clark1, Barbara P Yawn, James M Galliher
1Department of Family Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, 01293-F PFP, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. elizabeth-c-clark@uiowa.edu
Family Medicine
|September 30, 2005
Summary
Family physicians are knowledgeable about hepatitis C (HCV) but face referral barriers. Most believe they should screen, diagnose, and manage HCV patients, despite preferring specialist involvement.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Primary Care Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C (HCV) care is often managed by primary care physicians.
- Limited data exists on family physicians' practice patterns, knowledge, and attitudes regarding HCV.
- Understanding primary care physician roles is crucial for effective HCV management and elimination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the practice patterns, knowledge, and attitudes of family physicians concerning hepatitis C.
- To identify barriers faced by family physicians in managing and referring patients with hepatitis C.
- To assess family physicians' perceived roles in screening, diagnosing, and treating hepatitis C.
Main Methods:
- A written survey was mailed to a random sample of active members of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
- The survey assessed knowledge of HCV risk factors, screening practices, referral patterns, and treatment attitudes.
- Data analysis focused on identifying trends in practice patterns and perceived challenges in HCV care.
Main Results:
- 94% of respondents reported having patients with HCV, and 66% diagnosed new cases annually.
- While 85% identified HCV risk factors, only 63% routinely inquired about them.
- 74% preferred specialist involvement, but 50% encountered referral barriers; only 5% prescribed antivirals.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians possess the knowledge to identify and test for hepatitis C.
- Most family physicians prefer referring patients to specialists for workup and treatment.
- Significant barriers to specialist referral impede comprehensive hepatitis C care in primary settings.