Hepatitis B testing and diagnosis experiences of patients and primary care professionals in Australia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A significant proportion of Australians with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains undiagnosed and unaware of their risk of liver disease and cancer. This study explored the hepatitis B testing and diagnostic experiences of people with CHB, general practitioners (GPs) and primary care nurses. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people who have CHB (n = 19), GPs (n = 14) and nurses (n = 5). RESULTS: The majority of patient participants with CHB were not provided with information prior to being tested, and were shocked to receive a diagnosis. Neither GPs nor nurses noted Australia's National hepatitis B testing policy as guiding their practice, and hepatitis B con-ta..