The Victorian hepatitis C education program for GPs--an evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• An evaluation of a Victorian hepatitis C virus (HCV) education program for general practitioners (GPs) was conducted in 2005-2006.
• The program aimed to assess key areas of HCV management among GPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the General Practice Victoria (GPV) HCV education program.
• To assess the impact of program participation and feedback brochure review on GPs' knowledge of HCV management.

Main Methods:

• A baseline survey was administered to 1000 Victorian GPs before the program.
• Participants received a feedback brochure upon program completion.
• A follow-up survey assessed changes in HCV management knowledge.

Main Results:

• 524/1000 GPs completed the surveys; 87 reported program completion, 116 reported reading the brochure.
• Overall survey responses remained unchanged after the GPV program.
• GPs who read the feedback brochure demonstrated improved knowledge of HCV incidence, chronic infection risks, prognosis, vertical transmission, and treatment considerations.

Conclusions:

• The GPV HCV education program did not significantly alter GPs' knowledge.
• Reading the feedback brochure was associated with enhanced understanding of critical HCV management aspects.
• Ongoing, innovative educational programs are crucial for improving HCV management by GPs given the disease's increasing importance and evolving treatment options.