Reducing patient and provider knowledge gaps: An evaluation of a community informed hepatitis C online course.

Objectives: Hepatitis C (HCV) knowledge gaps are associated with lower levels of engagement in (HCV) care which contributes to HCV-related morbidity and mortality. Knowledge gaps may be exacerbated by rapid changes in HCV care/treatment. Cost-effective, timely and easy-to-implement education is needed to address knowledge gaps and foster HCV engagement.

Methods: We developed a free, one-hour, online course for patients and providers. Online and facilitated course events were evaluated. Outcome measures included: pre/post-scores, perceived knowledge gains and increased capacity to educate/encourage engagement in HCV care.

Results: Total pre-post-test gains were significant (p < .001) across groups. Over 50% of participants reported: perceived knowledge gains of "A lot" or higher; the course increased their capacity to educate and encourage client engagement in care by "A lot" or higher.

Conclusions: The evaluation confirmed ongoing patient and provider HCV knowledge gaps, significantly reduced those gaps, and increased provider's capacity to educate and encourage client engagement in HCV care.

Practice Implications: The course is an effective tool to address knowledge gaps that might lower engagement in care. It is available to patients to use in the privacy of their own home or for providers for their personal use, to use with individuals or patient groups.