On the Front Lines: Hepatitis C Infection in Primary Care

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Identify patients who should be screened for HCV infection
• Identify patients with HCV infection who may be considered for referral
• Initiate and modify pharmacologic therapy based on stage of infection and to meet individual needs
• Implement a follow-up care plan to improve long-term treatment and adherence
TARGET AUDIENCE
Family physicians and clinicians who wish to gain increased knowledge and greater competency regarding primary care management
of hepatitis C infection.

Chronic HCV infection is a common, yet often asymptomatic, infection that can be successfully managed in the primary care setting. To achieve this, screening—particularly of high-risk groups—is an essential first step in a comprehensive management plan that is linked to individualized antiviral therapy with DAAs, based on genotype, stage of disease,
comorbidity, and other patient variables.