Abstract
Hepatitis C infection is prevalent among injecting drug users in Australia. In an inner city area of Sydney, we undertook a survey of local general practitioners (GPs) in December 1996-February 1997 to ascertain GPs self-reported educational and resource needs and their approach to the management of asymptomatic patients with hepatitis C. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to elicit GPs' ratings of the usefulness of 12 educational strategies, services and resources in managing patients with hepatitis C infection. GPs were also asked how they would manage clinically 'uncomplicated' patients. Demographic characteristics of respondent GPs were also obtained. Of the 108 GPs who agreed to be forwarded a questionnaire, 81 GPs returned it (75% response rate). GPs most frequently responded that information regarding interpretation of positive tests (69%), information about prevention of transmission (69%) and NHMRC guidelines on diagnosis and management (68%) would be of use in managing patients with hepatitis C infection. Thirty-one percent of respondents thought that a shared care programme with GPs for patients undergoing interferon treatment or more counselling services (33%), would be 'very useful'. When asked about their practice in relation to asymptomatic patients who would be unlikely to require referral to a specialist, GPs most frequently reported that they would test for blood-borne viruses (86%). However, 50 (62%) indicated that they would refer the patient to a specialist. These findings provide important baseline information in a local population prior to commencement of local interventions to modify aspects of service provision. Availability of baseline data about service expectations and resource needs provided from our study has also provided a potential sentinel site to assess the impact of national guidelines for the management of people with hepatitis C.