New online learning activity may help GPs manage hepatitis C patients in primary care

A new online learning module, Managing hepatitis C in primary care, provides GPs with an update on the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of people with chronic hepatitis C infection.

Developed by NPS MedicineWise in collaboration with the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), the new learning activity will help doctors in primary care to stay up to date with latest clinical evidence and enhance their skills around this evolving area of practice.

NPS MedicineWise spokesperson Ms Karen Kaye says that with the new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents now available on the PBS general schedule, it is even more vital that GPs are aware of Hepatitis C (HCV) management strategies.

“Hepatitis C remains a significant public health issue in Australia and GPs are an essential part of the management team,” says Ms Kaye.

“With World Hepatitis Day taking place on 28 July, we are encouraging GPs to make use of this new resource.”

GESA spokesperson Dr Simone Strasser says that GPs are playing an increasingly important shared role with specialist doctors in identifying, assessing and managing patients with hepatitis C- including monitoring of liver disease.

“This learning module has been developed using the expertise and clinical experience of liver specialists as well as the clinical experience of practising GPs,” says Dr Strasser.

“No matter what role you are currently playing in general practice, this module will give you an excellent introduction to managing your patients in collaboration with your specialist colleagues.”

The free learning module—hosted on the NPS MedicineWise learning website learn.nps.org.au—discusses the steps involved in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of someone with HCV in general practice.

It presents GPs with useful resources, conversation starters, information on test pathways, and tips on communicating test results.

The activity was instigated by the Gastroenterological Society of Australia - Australian Liver Association (GESA ALA), with an educational grant from the International Coalition of Hepatology Education Providers (IC-HEP).

“It has been a pleasure to work with GESA on the development of the module and we look forward to ongoing collaboration,” says Ms Kaye.

The module is approved for professional development points with the RACGP and ACRRM and is recognised for the Quality Prescribing Incentive of the Practice Incentives Program.

Source: http://www.nps.org.au/