TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring the need for hepatology nurses and allied health professionals in Victorian liver clinics.
AU - Ehsani, Jonathon P.
AU - Vu, Trang
AU - Karvelas, Maria
PY - 2006/5
Y1 - 2006/5
N2 - OBJECTIVE: To examine the need for hepatology nurses and allied health professionals in Victorian liver clinics to meet the increasing demand from people seeking treatment for hepatitis C infection. DESIGN: We reviewed the literature, analysed data from nine Victorian liver clinics, and conducted a qualitative rapid assessment with key stakeholders including hepatology nurses. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen key stakeholders including clinicians and directors of liver clinics were invited to take part in interviews; two declined to participate. All ten members of the Victorian Hepatology Nurses Group were invited to participate in a focus group discussion, and six attended. RESULTS: Participants reported that hepatology nurses played a critical role in improving treatment uptake and compliance, in particular, in educating, counselling and managing treatment for people with hepatitis C infection. Psychiatric and social work staff assisted patients to overcome side effects associated with treatment. Interpreters increased access for those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatology nurses and allied health professionals are central to enhancing treatment outcomes for people who are infected with hepatitis C. Further research is necessary to estimate the number of nurses and allied health professionals required to meet the current and future needs of people receiving treatment for hepatitis C infection.
AB - OBJECTIVE: To examine the need for hepatology nurses and allied health professionals in Victorian liver clinics to meet the increasing demand from people seeking treatment for hepatitis C infection. DESIGN: We reviewed the literature, analysed data from nine Victorian liver clinics, and conducted a qualitative rapid assessment with key stakeholders including hepatology nurses. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen key stakeholders including clinicians and directors of liver clinics were invited to take part in interviews; two declined to participate. All ten members of the Victorian Hepatology Nurses Group were invited to participate in a focus group discussion, and six attended. RESULTS: Participants reported that hepatology nurses played a critical role in improving treatment uptake and compliance, in particular, in educating, counselling and managing treatment for people with hepatitis C infection. Psychiatric and social work staff assisted patients to overcome side effects associated with treatment. Interpreters increased access for those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatology nurses and allied health professionals are central to enhancing treatment outcomes for people who are infected with hepatitis C. Further research is necessary to estimate the number of nurses and allied health professionals required to meet the current and future needs of people receiving treatment for hepatitis C infection.
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M3 - Article
C2 - 2006144831
AN - SCOPUS:33744987401
SN - 0156-5788
VL - 30
SP - 211
EP - 218
JO - Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
JF - Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
IS - 2
ER -