Facilitating hepatitis B clinical management in general practice A qualitative investigation

Abstract

Background Primary care services are recognised in consecutive national hepatitis B strategies as priority settings for clinically managing hepatitis B. In 2015, authorised general practitioners were able to prescribe hepatitis B therapy, thereby increasing access to medication that reduces hepatitis B-related mortality. The aim of this study was to identify elements supporting hepatitis B-related clinical management in primary care settings. Methods Data from qualitative semi-structured interviews with 19 participants from primary care settings were thematically analysed. Results Critical elements in providing clinical care in primary care settings were identified at an organisational and provider level. A supportive organisational culture included leadership, a multidisciplinary team approach, community engagement and cultural competency, while provider-related issues included authorisation to prescribe, access to linguistic and cultural mediators and effective relationships with relevant specialist services. Discussion The research identified practice leadership, organisational culture and a patient focus supported hepatitis B clinical management transitioning from specialist to primary care services.