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A multinational survey of physician knowledge about management of chronic hepatitis C
Mohamed El-Kassas1, Yusuf Yilmaz2, Chun-Jen Liu3
1Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt; The Global Liver Council, Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases, Washington DC, United States.
Insights
Physicians know hepatitis C virus (HCV) guidelines well but have knowledge gaps. Continuous education is vital for better HCV patient care and adherence to management protocols.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Viral Hepatitis Management
Background:
- Up-to-date knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) management is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
- Physician awareness, attitudes, and barriers to current HCV guidelines impact care.
- Post-treatment follow-up is essential for managing HCV complications and risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate physicians' awareness and attitudes towards current HCV management guidelines.
- Assess physician self-efficacy, perceptions, and barriers related to HCV treatment and follow-up.
- Identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement in HCV care protocols.
Main Methods:
- A 48-question survey was distributed to healthcare providers treating HCV patients.
- The survey assessed practices, guideline familiarity, and attitudes regarding HCV management.
- 183 physicians from 8 countries completed the survey.
Main Results:
- Most physicians (95%) were aware of HCV treatment guidelines (EASL 84%, AASLD 72%).
- 94% believed post-HCV treatment follow-up is effective, and 93% recommended it.
- Despite high guideline awareness (90%), 39% reported inconsistencies; 86% recognized the need for follow-up after sustained virological response (SVR).
Conclusions:
- Physicians show strong awareness of HCV guidelines but have potential knowledge gaps and inconsistencies.
- Continuous education and support are essential for enhancing adherence to HCV management protocols.
- Effective post-treatment follow-up strategies are recognized, but ongoing education is needed to optimize care.
Introduction And Objectives:
Up-to-date knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) management among healthcare providers is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study evaluates physicians' awareness, attitudes, self-efficacy, perceptions, and barriers related to current HCV management guidelines and post-treatment follow-up.
Materials And Methods:
We invited healthcare providers treating HCV patients to complete a 48-question survey regarding their practices, guideline familiarity, and related attitudes.
Results:
The survey was completed by 183 physicians from 8 countries, including hepatologists (32 %), gastroenterologists (39 %), internal medicine specialists (12 %), and infectious disease specialists (16 %). The majority (95 %) were aware of at least one treatment guideline, with the EASL guideline cited by 84 % and the AASLD guideline by 72 %. Most (94 %) believed post-HCV treatment follow-up was effective for detecting complications, and 93 % recommended continued follow-up. Although 90 % felt well-informed about guidelines, 39 % reported encountering inconsistencies. Sixty-one percent recognized that HCV elimination reduces the rate of decompensation but does not abolish the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Overall, 86 % acknowledged the need for follow-up in patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR), with the most commonly recommended intervals being six months for non-cirrhotic patients and three months for cirrhotic patients. Minimal barriers to follow-up were reported, with only 1.6 % to 4.4 % not discussing its benefits due to time or resource constraints.
Conclusions:
The surveyed physicians demonstrated a strong awareness of the current HCV guidelines but indicated potential gaps in knowledge and inconsistencies. Continuous education and support are essential to enhance adherence to HCV management protocols.
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