title: A survey of hepatitis C management by Victorian GPs after PBS-listing of direct-acting antiviral therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To increase access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) enabled general practitioners (GPs) to prescribe direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We conducted a survey to identify GPs' knowledge and management of HCV.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire consisting of 20 items about HCV knowledge and management was sent to 1000 GPs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and ninety-one GPs (19.1%) responded; 74% answered correctly that antibody and RNA positivity is diagnostic of HCV. Only 12% could directly request transient elastography. Although 53% of respondents reported interest in prescribing DAAs, 72% continued to refer all patients to specialists. Fifty-five per cent were unsure if people who currently inject drugs were eligible for treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most respondents were interested in prescribing DAAs, but education, access to transient elastography and clear consultation pathways are required to translate this interest into increased treatment availability. PBS eligibility of current injectors needs promotion.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Draper
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Allard
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grinzi
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hellard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents