Author information
1
Department of Medicine, Austin Clinical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
2
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
3
Department of Geospatial Sciences and Mathematics, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
4
Department of Emergency Medicine, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the feasibility of an ED chronic hepatitis B (CHB) screening programme.
METHODS:
Adult patients born in intermediate-high CHB prevalent regions completed a pre-screening questionnaire and were offered CHB testing. ED staff were surveyed to gauge potential barriers to the programme.
RESULTS:
Eighty patients demonstrated limited knowledge of hepatitis B virus transmission and perceived many barriers to screening. Among 65 tested for CHB, no new cases were detected but 36 (55.4%, 95% CI 42.6-67.5) were susceptible to infection. Staff supported the programme but reported potential barriers.
CONCLUSION:
Targeted ED CHB screening is feasible but effectiveness and cost-effectiveness need further exploration.