A multinational survey of physician knowledge about management of chronic hepatitis C
Recommended Citation
El-Kassas M, Yilmaz Y, Liu CJ, Fernández MIC, Eguchi Y, Al-Naamani K, Abdeltawab D, Medhat MA, Chan WK, Gordon S, Isakov V, Yu ML, Buti M, Papatheodoridis GV, Nader F, Racila A, Henry L, Stepanova M, and Younossi ZM. A multinational survey of physician knowledge about management of chronic hepatitis C. Ann Hepatol 2025;31(1):102134.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2-2025
Publication Title
Annals of hepatology
Keywords
Adherence; Cirrhosis; DAAs; Guidelines; HCC; HCV; Knowledge; SVR
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Up-to-date knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) management among healthcare providers is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study evaluates physicians' awareness, attitudes, self-efficacy, perceptions, and barriers related to current HCV management guidelines and post-treatment follow-up.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We invited healthcare providers treating HCV patients to complete a 48-question survey regarding their practices, guideline familiarity, and related attitudes.
RESULTS: The survey was completed by 183 physicians from 8 countries, including hepatologists (32 %), gastroenterologists (39 %), internal medicine specialists (12 %), and infectious disease specialists (16 %). The majority (95 %) were aware of at least one treatment guideline, with the EASL guideline cited by 84 % and the AASLD guideline by 72 %. Most (94 %) believed post-HCV treatment follow-up was effective for detecting complications, and 93 % recommended continued follow-up. Although 90 % felt well-informed about guidelines, 39 % reported encountering inconsistencies. Sixty-one percent recognized that HCV elimination reduces the rate of decompensation but does not abolish the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Overall, 86 % acknowledged the need for follow-up in patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR), with the most commonly recommended intervals being six months for non-cirrhotic patients and three months for cirrhotic patients. Minimal barriers to follow-up were reported, with only 1.6 % to 4.4 % not discussing its benefits due to time or resource constraints.
CONCLUSIONS: The surveyed physicians demonstrated a strong awareness of the current HCV guidelines but indicated potential gaps in knowledge and inconsistencies. Continuous education and support are essential to enhance adherence to HCV management protocols.
PubMed ID
41046058
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
Volume
31
Issue
1
First Page
102134
Last Page
102134
