Australian general practitioners' perceptions of the barriers and opportunities for community-based care of patients with viral hepatitis: A mixed methods study

Introduction: Engagement of general practitioners (GPs) is essential to improving rates of diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis, as traditional tertiary hospital-based models of care often face challenges. Aim: We investigated Australian general practitioners' perceptions of a community-based model of care for patients with viral hepatitis. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study using survey questionnaires (23 GPs) and an open-ended interview guide (10 GPs) at primary care clinics in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Stata 15.1 and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis following an inductive approach. Results: Patient loss to follow up and high cost of diagnostic tests were identified as the biggest challenges to providing care for patients with viral hepatitis. Most GPs interviewed believe a more community-based model of care with support to GPs may improve uptake of care and increase both GP and patient engagement. General practitioners felt a community-based model of care could also improve viral hepatitis testing and follow-up rates. Discussion: For Australian GPs, improving patient retention and diagnostics access were key pressure points in the viral hepatitis care pathway. A broader and more profound capacity-building allows community-based viral hepatitis care to be sustainable.