Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer. Early diagnosis and regular medical care greatly reduce risk.
Current figures estimate there are approximately 240,000 people living with Hepatitis B infection in Australia. Best available modelling suggests less than 20% (approx. 47,000) are engaged in medical care.
The AURORA research platform is enabling a collaboration between PHNs and the research team at the Doherty Institute to design and pilot an intervention which will produce a set of evidence-based tools capable of being systematically implemented in general practice.
Initial data analysis on the AURORA dataset reveals there are 9,000 patients with an active HepB diagnosis. Of the 20,000 patients with an active HepC diagnosis, only 7% are being prescribed treatment (as recorded in the GP software).
In addition to powerful insights from the AURORA dataset, the intervention will incorporate elements from the entire health continuum including expert clinical advice, consumer input and best available evidence.
This collaborative project has the potential to revolutionise care delivery for people living with viral hepatitis.
For more information on this project or the AURORA research platform, email research@outcomehealth.org.au.
Read more about how POLAR is already helping to improve Hep B outcomes here.