Psychiatrists' knowledge and practices in screening and assessment of Hepatitis C for inpatients with severe mental illness

Authors

Frank P. Deane, University of WollongongFollow
Katerina Lagios, University of Sydney

RIS ID

37629

Publication Details

Lagios, K. & Deane, F. (2011). Psychiatrists' knowledge and practices in screening and assessment of Hepatitis C for inpatients with severe mental illness. Australasian Psychiatry, 19 (2), 156-159.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess psychiatrists' Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related knowledge and behaviour practices. METHOD: A self-report survey was completed by doctors working at an urban psychiatric hospital in Australia. RESULTS: Doctors working in psychiatry underestimated the prevalence of HCV infection for their patients and less than one-third felt well informed about HCV. Overall, there was good knowledge regarding HCV acquisition epidemiology but knowledge of management was poor. CONCLUSION: Improving knowledge about HCV, especially current management, may facilitate better health care for patients with severe mental illness.