Impact of Distributing Test Result Reports for Chronic Viral Hepatitis on Awareness of Hepatitis Testing Among Non-Specialist Physicians

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Patients who undergo hepatitis virus testing may remain unaware of their results in the absence of clinician feedback, particularly from non-specialists. To address this issue, we introduced patient-directed test result reports and evaluated their effectiveness in promoting physician responses among non-specialists. Materials and Methods: Distribution of hepatitis virus test result reports began on 22 August 2022 at the National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center in Japan. The study included all patients who underwent hepatitis testing, excluding those whose tests were ordered by gastroenterologists or screening physicians. The numbers of tests performed and reports distributed were obtained from electronic medical records. Results: Between August 2022 and August 2025, 30,700 patients underwent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV-Ab) testing, and 11,797 individuals received test result reports. In the most recent one-year period (September 2024–August 2025), the report distribution rate was 49.7%, unaffected by test positivity. Compared with the year before report implementation, the referral rates to gastroenterologists increased significantly for both HBsAg-positive (11.4% to 34.5%) and HCV-Ab-positive cases (7.7% to 25.2%; p < 0.01). Documentation of test results and confirmation of clinical cure or ongoing treatment by the ordering physician both improved. Cases without physician response decreased markedly (from 61.4% to 23.6% in HBsAg-positive patients and from 59.3% to 24.5% in HCV-Ab-positive patients; p < 0.01 for both). Conclusions: Distribution of dedicated hepatitis virus test result reports improved awareness among non-specialist physicians and contributed to better management of test-positive patients.