RESEARCH PROJECTS
Understanding Hepatitis B Knowledge of the Patients
Aim: To examine patients' understanding of their chronic hepatitis B, the associated risk, and identify opportunities for enhancing patient education and empowerment. This project aimed to better understand how patients at the clinic understand their chronic hepatitis B (CHB), including the health risks associated with the condition. In particular, we sought to learn how well patients understand their diagnosis and their future risk of developing liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), after they have been assessed at the Calgary Liver Unit Hepatitis B Clinic. Understanding patients’ perspectives will help us determine whether current education and communication approaches are effective. The study also aimed to identify gaps in patients’ knowledge about hepatitis B and liver disease so that we can improve education and provide patients with the information they need to take an active role in their healthcare. In addition, we invited patients to share feedback about their experiences with clinic processes and services. This feedback will help us improve the quality of care and better support patients in managing their health.
Understanding Support Networks for People Living with Hepatitis B
Aim: To examine the support networks of patients living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This project aimed to understand the support networks of people living with CHB. We aimed to learn who patients turn to for information, advice, and support related to their condition. This includes identifying the people patients consider important sources of support, such as family members, friends, healthcare providers, or peers. The study also explored who within a patient’s support network knows about their hepatitis B diagnosis and whether these individuals provide information or guidance about the condition. In addition, we examined how different members of a patient’s network may influence decisions related to hepatitis B care, including treatment and follow-up. By understanding the role of these support systems, we hope to improve how patients are supported in managing their health and staying engaged in care.
Community Based Formative Needs Assessment With Immigrant Population
Aim: To explore perceptions of screening and barriers preventing newcomer immigrants and underserved populations in Alberta from accessing hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viral infections screening and care. This project uses a community-based participatory approach, treating community members as partners and co-producers, and focusing on what actually happens along the screening-to-follow-up pathway. Since July 2024, the team has built trust and reach through community ecosystem mapping and a “go-to-where-the-community-meets” strategy, working closely with Bangladeshi community associations and networks and showing up consistently at festivals and everyday community spaces such as faith and cultural settings, student groups, sports and recreation spaces, grocery stores and restaurants, and online groups. That foundation has supported bilingual (English/Bangla) survey recruitment of around one thousand by engaging with more than 2500 community members. There was qualitative engagement, with trained community researchers helping shape outreach routes, messaging, and stigma-sensitive awareness materials. Throughout, the project documents what works in real-world implementation to generate practical, transferable lessons for improving equitable access to liver screening and follow-up.
Refugee Clinic Collaboration
Aim: To determine the longitudinal clinical outcomes of HBV-positive patients initially screened at the Calgary Refugee Health Clinic, and explore patient experiences of transitioning from the Calgary Refugee Health Clinic and integrating into the community. This project will look at the long-term health outcomes of people with hepatitis B (HBV) who were first screened at the Calgary Refugee Health Clinic. We want to understand whether patients are able to access and follow recommended HBV care after they leave the clinic. This includes checking if people who needed treatment started and continued their medication, and whether those who did not need treatment kept up with regular follow-up care such as yearly blood tests with a family doctor or visits with specialists. We will also examine whether patients who develop risk factors for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) are connected to screening programs and receive the recommended tests, and whether those who begin screening continue to do so regularly. The project will also explore patients’ experiences as they transition from the Calgary Refugee Health Clinic to community health care. We want to understand what helps or makes it harder for people to continue managing HBV after leaving the clinic. By identifying gaps in follow-up care, the study aims to improve how patients are supported in the future. In addition, we will look at whether household members of people with HBV have received the hepatitis B vaccine and help connect them with vaccination services if needed.
Understanding and Supporting Primary Care in Hepatitis B Patients Care
Aim: To assess the referring physicians’ understanding of clinic consult instructions for managing the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and to identify additional resources or support needed to improve patient management in primary care. This project aimed to understand how referring physicians interpret and use the consultation instructions provided by the clinic when caring for patients with CHB. We want to assess whether the guidance given after a specialist consultation, such as recommendations for monitoring and follow-up, is clear and easy to apply in primary care. This includes recommendations for routine monitoring tests (such as ALT and HBV DNA, and when appropriate AFP testing), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) screening, and situations when patients should be referred back to hepatology. In addition, the study aimed to identify any knowledge gaps that primary care providers may have in managing hepatitis B and assessing the risk of liver cancer. We also explored the types of educational tools and resources that would be most helpful in their practice, such as clinical algorithms, quick-reference guides, or resources like Specialist Link. This information will help improve communication between specialists and primary care providers and support better long-term care for patients living with hepatitis B.
PUBLICATION
Publication:
Knowledge Mobilization Work:
RESOURCES IN BANGLA
হেপাটাইটিস B: সহজভাবে জানুন