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Practice for sale formHepatitis C (HCV) is a preventable disease due to the high effectiveness of modern treatments and the potential for early detection and intervention. NSW Health is committed to eliminating hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2028, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) goal. Central to this effort is the NSW Hepatitis C Strategy 2022-2025, which outlines the comprehensive approach needed to achieve this significant public health objective.
More than 300 Australians die annually from hepatitis C-related causes. As shown in Figure 1, there has been a 93-to-94 per cent cure rate between 2019 and 2022 from the time an individual received treatment. The high cure rates demonstrate the efficacy of hepatitis C Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) treatments. By addressing the gap between ribonucleic acid (RNA) confirmation HCV with DAA treatment uptake, Australia can significantly reduce the burden of hepatitis C moving closer to the 50 per cent elimination goal set by WHO.
Screening and diagnosis of hepatitis C
Screening is essential for early detection and treatment effectiveness. Priority populations include:
- individuals with a history of injecting drugs
- people in custodial settings or with a history of incarceration
- those living with individuals who have hepatitis C
- people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- patients with abnormal liver function tests, acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease or liver cirrhosis
- those who have had cosmetic surgery or dental treatments overseas
Resources for screening and diagnosis
Decision Making in Hepatitis C Tool
Guides healthcare professionals on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
Webinar for GPs
Enhances GP understanding of hepatitis C testing and treatment
Project ECHO
Supports GPs in screening, managing, and treating hepatitis C and liver diseases.
Useful Training
Collection of resources categorised by disease area or profession in ASHIM learning hub
Hepatitis C treatment
Hepatitis C DAAs allow GPs to prescribe effective treatment with a success rate of approximately 95 per cent. DAAs are included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and are better tolerated by patients. Treatment is between eight to 12 weeks with one tablet a day with minimal side effects.
Resources for treatment
REACH-C Form
Online tool for GPs for timely specialist approval within 24 hours
PBS Information
Details on hepatitis C medication coverage under PBS
Decision-making Tool for Children
Assists clinicians in managing hepatitis C in children
Reducing stigma and discrimination around hepatitis C
Stigma and discrimination significantly hinder treatment access for more than 70 per cent of Australians affected by hepatitis C. These negative attitudes often arise from misconceptions about how the virus is contracted.
To combat this, it is crucial to promote open discussions about liver health and normalise the conversation around hepatitis C. Using inclusive and non-judgmental language fosters a supportive environment, empowering individuals to seek the care they need.
Resources for reducing stigma
The Power of Words: Anti-stigma Guide
Encourages the use of welcoming terms to reduce stigma
Effective prevention strategies for hepatitis C
Prevention efforts in primary healthcare settings include:
- promoting safe injection practices and proper disposal of needles
- sourcing harm-reduction services such as needle and syringe programs, substance use counselling and opioid treatment programs
- educating patients and staff about liver health and hepatitis C
Resources for prevention
NSP Locations and Contact Details
Access local needle and syringe program outlets
The NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA)
Supports individuals impacted by drug use criminalisation
Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
Offers methadone, buprenorphine or suboxone treatment
Empowering patients: resources for hepatitis C support
Motivate C – Treatment Incentive
Motivate C is an incentivised project conducted by the University of Sydney for newly diagnosed hepatitis C patients. The program aims to find out if an offer of a cash reward will encourage people with hepatitis C to seek treatment from community treatment providers. Participants self-register for this study and will be connected with a treatment navigator to guide them through all study procedures. For further information on Motivate C project email project@sydney.edu.au
Patient Pathway Guide
Provides information on testing and treating hepatitis C
Hepatitis NSW Hotline
Offers support and education
Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS)
Works with diverse communities to reduce the impact of viral hepatitis
Support from SWSPHN
Keystone practices
The keystone practices initiative is dedicated to enhancing access to essential treatment for individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C. This project ensures both newly diagnosed and existing patients receive comprehensive care and treatment.
GPs across South Western Sydney who are unable to provide hepatitis C treatment or support can refer their patients to one of the five specialised keystone practices. These centres are equipped to provide treatment and management, effectively bridging the gap in hepatitis C management. Once the patient has completed treatment, their care is returned to their regular GP.
For more information and to connect with keystone practices email Rita Colella (LHD Hep C CNC) with the subject: Attention ‘Community Hepatitis C Nurse’. Alternatively, phone 9794 0855 or 0475 952 636 for all required Hepatitis C questions or support.
POLAR walkthroughs
SWSPHN has developed a set of POLAR walkthroughs to assist healthcare providers in utilising the Hepatitis report and Clinic Summary report. These walkthroughs focus on identifying and managing cohorts associated with hepatitis C.
By utilising these walkthroughs and reports, practices can better monitor patient populations, streamline diagnosis and optimise treatment pathways for those affected by hepatitis C.
Helpful walkthroughs:
- POLAR walkthrough – Hep C at risk cohort – abnormal ALT
- POLAR walkthrough – Hep C patient eligible for DMMR
For more information or support, contact SWSPHN at cqisupport@swsphn.com.au or visit Quality Improvement in Primary Care (QIPC) resources