General practitioners require more support to prescribe direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C

Prescribing direct‐acting antivirals to treat hepatitis C virus in a general practice setting in Australia: ‘so why not do it’?

“…These were key enablers for successful DAA treatment but may only be feasible in practices with a high patient caseload. We also found gaps in availability of testing facilities in (outer) metropolitan areas, which is consistent with research indicating that inadequate access to liver assessment facilities contributes to GP' continued referral of HCV patients to specialist services . The availability of necessary testing services and equipment needs to be urgently addressed.…”

“…Recent research has highlighted the need for increased formal GP training and identified other challenges including the time required with patients before DAA treatment can begin . Capitalising on the availability and accessibility of DAA treatment in Australia requires an in‐depth understanding of current challenges that GP and their patients face in relation to prescribing and successfully completing the DAA treatment journey . This study examines barriers and enablers to DAA treatment in general practice settings from both GP and patient perspectives.…”