In an effort to ensure widespread awareness and knowledge about hepatitis C, AAFP has mailed a packet of information to all Academy members.
The packet, "Hepatitis C: Treatment and Monitoring," is an additional element of the 2003 Annual Clinical Focus on prevention. It includes a summary of the most recent NIH consensus statement on management of hepatitis C infection, a fact sheet to be used when talking with patients about preventing transmission, patient education materials and a "personal treatment contract" that engages patients to participate in their care plan.
The NIH update reviews treatment recommendations and goals, how to manage the side effects of treatment, and special treatment considerations for patients who are also HIV-positive or who have liver disease.
The easy-to-understand patient handout describes the illness, treatments and how to cope with the infection.
The hepatitis C packet was supported by an educational grant from Schering Corporation.
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Copyright © 2003 by
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