Simplified and integrated hepatitis B care, version 6
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Simplified and integrated hepatitis B care in North West London
IRAS ID
320649
Contact name
Maud Lemoine
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Hepatitis B infections can remain inactive, often without any symptoms, for many years after initial infection. There is a risk that the virus can become active in future leading to liver inflammation, scarring and cancer. Ongoing monitoring of liver disease is required for patients with long term hepatitis B infections. If the virus becomes active again, medication can be given to reduce liver complications. The current international guidelines suggest monitoring patients every 6 to 12 months, but most hospitals currently monitor patients 6 monthly. 12 monthly monitoring could reduce the number of investigations patients receive alongside the burden on the healthcare system in the future.
We aim to investigate if 12 monthly monitoring is safe for patients with inactive hepatitis B infection alongside it's acceptability with patients and healthcare workers.
We will study hospital records, including liver clinic information and results, from patients with inactive hepatitis B from 2016 to 2022 at St Mary's Hospital in London. The aims are to determine the annual number of liver-related adverse events in inactive hepatitis B patients, to identify risk factors for progression of liver disease requiring treatment and to complete a cost-effectiveness analysis for this model of care.In addition, interviews will be completed with patients at St Mary's Hospital, London, alongside healthcare workers in primary and secondary care in North West London. The aim of these interviews is to assess knowledge of Hepatitis B infection alongside levels of satisfaction with current monitoring services. We will also ask for feedback on changing the monitoring services.
Participants will be required to complete 1 or 2 face-to-face or telephone interview lasting approximately 45 minutes. Interviews will be completed from January 2023 to July 2023.
No patient interaction will be required for the study of previously collected patient data.
This study is funded by St Mary's Development Trust.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/1733
Date of REC Opinion
15 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion