Up to 170 000 people in Australia are infected with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with the numbers of people dying projected to increase from 450 per year in 2008 to 1550 per year in 2017. General practitioners are critical in clinical management with early detection, follow up and monitoring of CHB slowing progression to liver failure and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
General practitioners are critical to reducing the impact of chronic hepatitis B in the community. This study explored how GPs understand their role in chronic hepatitis B management.
Semi-structured interviews were held with 26 GPs from five Australian jurisdictions.
The principal roles identified by GPs in chronic hepatitis B management were diagnosis, monitoring and mediating between patient and specialist. General practitioners saw themselves as essential in managing chronic hepatitis B with their frequent interaction with patients, physical access and established trusting therapeutic relationships. They supported an active role in the delivery of chronic hepatitis B pharmaceutical treatment through shared care arrangements.
An optimal public health response to chronic hepatitis B requires a clear definition of the role of the GP. Most GPs believed their role could be more substantive and include management and treatment beyond that of diagnosis and monitoring.