Hepatitis C caseload and models of care for rural GPs working in northern New South Wales

Objective: To estimate the hepatitis C patient caseload of general practitioners and explore their preferences regarding hepatitis C models of care. Method: An anonymous reply paid postal questionnaire was sent to all GPs working in rural northern New South Wales in August 2000. Pretesting found including hepatitis C knowledge and attitude questions would detract from the focus on hepatitis C education and management. Results: Two hundred and ninety-two out of 634 GPs responded (response rate 46%). A few (22 GPs, 8%) saw 3566 (59%) of the 6048 hepatitis C patients in the previous 12 months. Eighty-eight percent of GPs preferred a multidisciplinary model with the GP as the principal coordinator of care. Discussion: Rural GPs see their role as important in hepatitis C care.