Viral Hepatitis Essentials for Primary Care

This informative and interactive training will aim to improve the confidence of general practitioners to effectively screen, treat and manage patients with hepatitis B and C and to apply the latest clinical information about antiretro-viral therapy.

The aim of the session is to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of primary health care providers to effectively screen, treat and manage patients with Hepatitis B or C. It will aim to assist clinicians to confidently interpret Viral Hepatitis test results, understand the treatment and referral options for their management, and inform GPs and Nurse Practitioners of the process to become a HBV s100 Prescriber.

Presenters:

Dr Lester Mascarenhas, an experienced GP HBVs100 prescriber with extensive experience and passion for refugee health. Dr Mascarenhas is the founder of Utopia Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health Clinic in Hoppers Crossing, and works at Cohealth Laverton as well as Your Community Health.

Jacqui Richmond has worked in viral hepatitis for the last 19 years in nursing, education, social and health services research, and policy development. Jacqui currently works at La Trobe University as a Research Fellow and the Burnet Institute as the Education Coordinator for the Eliminate hepatitis C partnership. Her main focus is on building the health workforce capacity around treating and managing viral hepatitis. 

Continuing Professional Development: 4 x RACGP CPD Activity / 2 x ACRRM PDP points. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. 

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the role of Primary Health Care in the management of Viral Hepatitis
• Accurately determine at risk patients and screen for viral hepatitis
• Confidently interpret Viral Hepatitis test results and discuss the treatment and referral options for the management of viral hepatitis
• Discuss with patients the viral hepatitis treatment options and importance of regular monitoring