Hepatitis B & C Management in Primary Care - Austin Health

An invitation to primary health care professionals to attend an introductory level education session on Viral Hepatitis management in primary care.

This education session will involve presentations on the epidemiology and historical background of both Hepatitis B and C. Then covering the topics most practical to those working in the primary care setting: at risk populations, modes of transmission, and management, including: risk assessment, screening, testing, diagnosis, and suitability and preparation for treatment.

The session is held at the Lecture Theatre, Level 4 - Education Centre, Austin Health. 

Speakers:

Dr Josephine Grace Clinical Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist

Dr Josephine Grace is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at the Austin Hospital. She holds a PhD in liver disease, and has been granted awards for her research from the Gastroenterology Society of Australia and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Josephine is acting Clinical Lead in the Rapid Access to Hepatitis C Treatment Project at the Austin Hospital, which offers improved access to hepatitis C treatment in a timely fashion and a community setting. She believes passionately in equitable access to health care for all Australians in a non-discriminatory environment. She can be found on twitter @yoggod. 

Dr Christopher Leung Clinical Gastroenterologist 

Dr Christopher Leung graduated from Melbourne University before undertaking advanced gastroenterology training. Dr Leung is currently a gastroenterologist at Austin and Royal Melbourne Hospital and is a clinical tutor and researcher in the Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne. His interests include viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and confocal endomicroscopy. He is also vice-president of the Australian Chinese Medical Association of Victoria and provides endoscopic training through the World Gastroenterology Organisation. 

Learning outcomes:

• Improve patient outcomes through early diagnosis, follow up, and appropriate management of hepatitis B & C, including vaccination for hepatitis B 
• Ensure regular screening of at risk patients and confidently interpret hepatitis B and hepatitis C test results 
• Assess for advanced liver disease, monitor for hepatocellular carcinoma and refer appropriately 
• Describe new hepatitis C treatment guidelines and mechanisms for prescribing in consultation with, or without, a specialist 
• Discuss with patients the hepatitis B treatment options and importance of regular monitoring