About HCVcme.org™

Depending upon the hepatitis C genotype, the likelihood of a sustained viral response (SVR) with dual therapy is between 40-80% and is dependent upon several viral and patient factors such as age, gender, and race. If patients do not achieve an SVR they are at risk for progressive liver disease or even hepatic carcinoma. The need to improve this response rate has lead to the development of newer agents that directly target viral replication by inhibiting HCV protease and polymerase enzymes.

The evolving complexity of the HCV landscape, including the expansion of novel therapeutic classes and combinations, has created clinical gaps among clinicians in terms of their current competence and skill sets surrounding prognostic factors, treatment regimens, and available therapies for the treatment of HCV. In response to these needs, The France Foundation has developed an integrated, multi-factorial educational initiative entitled, Addressing HCV Clinical Gaps Among Special Patient Populations.

Target Audience

Gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists, primary care physicians, and allied health professionals.

Addressing HCV Clinical Gaps Among Special Patient Populations: Educational Design

Clinical Gap	Corresponding Learning Objective
HCV is highly prevalent among certain populations, including the US Veterans and active military personnel, the African American population, and those residing within urban and impoverished areas. The need for specific education for clinicians who treat these patients remains high, as management becomes more complex in the unique clinical settings where these patients are most often treated.	Recognize the prevalence and incidence of HCV within your patient population and implement a management strategy that is appropriate to your clinical setting.
The growing complexity of HCV treatment, including the expansion of novel therapeutic classes and new therapeutic combinations, has created a gap that will require new knowledge, competence, and skill sets among the clinicians who manage these patients.	Integrate new information regarding the current landscape of HCV into your appropriate patient population and formulate specific strategies for optimal management.

Commercial Support Acknowledgment

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Reference

Chronic Hepatitis C: Current Disease Management. Available at www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov