In 1998, Department of Veterans Affairs mandated nationwide screening of all veterans for hepatitis C risk factors. Since that date, over 1.7 million veterans have been screened and tested for hepatitis C virus. Nationally, there is a Department of Veterans Affairs registry developed to identify these high risk veterans. A higher percentage of veterans appear to be "positive" for exposure to hepatitis C virus than the rest of the population.

In 2000, all Department of Veterans Affairs centers were mandated to provide "timely" hepatitis C virus education and evaluation.

For various reasons including limited staffing, veterans not returning for appointments, and co-morbidity issues, evaluation for hepatitis C virus treatment has varied at medical centers. Department of Veterans Affairs gastroenterology nurses are assuming an expanded role to provide hepatitis C virus education and counseling. In this presentation, nurses will be provided an update of Department of Veterans Affairs hepatitis C treatment guidelines, response to treatment, screening for co-infection and hepatocellular carcinoma, the Department of Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C Web site, and how to access Department of Veterans Affairs resources to provide optimal care for veterans.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the Abstracts from the SGNA's 32nd Annual Course: Passion for GI Nursing: Pass It On!! The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.