New research published on a general practice computer-based tool to encourage testing of individuals at high risk for blood-borne viruses

The Camden and Islington Viral Hepatitis Identification Tool (CIVHIT) was introduced in over 60 general practices in Camden and Islington to search electronic medical records for codes and medical conditions linked with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV).

The tool led to an increase in testing and new diagnoses with the largest increase for HBV where twice as many people were diagnosed than the year before the tool was introduced.

However, referrals to secondary care for treatment were low with less than a quarter of those diagnosed seen in secondary care.

The tool shows promise as a means to assist with blood-borne virus elimination, but to maximise benefit, such tools will need to be linked to training and incentivisation for GPs.

The research was published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis and is available here.

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