Theme: Clinical Research Year: 2019
Background: Education programs may be helpful in training a multidisciplinary health workforce in
HCV management, but there are few that have been developed and evaluated. The aim of this study
was to evaluate changes in self-efficacy for HCV management among attendees participating in an
HCV education program focused on primary care and drug and alcohol settings.
Methods: The “Hepatitis C in Primary Care and Drug and Alcohol Settings Education Program” was
developed by ASHM in collaboration with the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, and adapted for delivery
internationally in partnership with INHSU. The Program consists of: 1) Online learning modules
(www.inhsu.org/education-program); 2) Full day interactive face-face workshop; 3) Tailored capacity
strengthening toolkit. Participants completed a self-administered survey (pre-course and
immediately post-course) between Sept 2017-Nov 2018. A 5-point scale was used to measure selfefficacy (score >3 out of 5 related to confidence in HCV testing, management and treatment).
Results: Overall, 401 participants attended one of 22 HCV education sessions (60% Canada, 11%
Spain, and 29% UK). Participant professions included physicians (32%), nurses (40%), and other
(28%). Participants were from services including primary health care centers (26%), drug treatment
clinics (36%), hospital-based clinics (8%), community health services (4%) and other (26%). Among
participants who completed pre- and post-HCV education evaluations (n=264), there was an increase
in the proportion of people who reported >average confidence with respect to regular screening
(48% vs. 89%, P<0.001), interpretation of HCV test results (39% vs. 73%, P<0.001), advising patients
about new HCV therapies (18% vs. 73%, P<0.001), and HCV treatment/management (8% vs. 54%,
P<0.001).
Conclusion: Self-reported confidence (self-efficacy) related to HCV management and treatment
improved immediately following the delivery of this HCV educational program. Further work is
needed to evaluate the sustained impact of this education, including long-term self-efficacy and
enhanced HCV testing and treatment.
Disclosure of Interest Statement: The authors recognise the considerable contribution that industry
partners make to professional and research activities. We also recognise the need for transparency
of disclosure of potential conflicts of interest by acknowledging these relationships in publications
and presentations.