GPs across Western Australia will receive a new chronic hepatitis B
and C primary care pathway later this month. WA Health has developed
the pathway to assist GPs and primary health care providers assess and
manage patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C in the community.
Across Australia, only a small proportion of those living with
chronic hepatitis B or C are accessing treatment. Treatment with
antiviral medication can significantly reduce the risk of complications
such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
The clinical pathway has been developed in close collaboration
with key stakeholders, and contains up-to-date evidence-based
recommendations as well as links to a range of patient and health
professional resources.
It provides a quick guide for GPs and summarises:
- what patients can do to optimise their own health
- how to manage their long-term care
- which patients to refer
- how to refer
- where to go for more information.
Thanks to all the clinicians, GPs, Communicable Disease Control
Directorate staff and non-government organisations that supported the
development of this resource.
For more information, visit the Public Health website (external site) and download the primary care pathway (PDF 810KB).
Source: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/snapshots/hepatitisBC.cfmLabels: australia, Disease Management, HBV, HCV, Patient management