Assessment of a Hepatitis Educational Group for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders

Background: In 2005 the substance use disorders (SUD) clinic at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center launched the Liver Health Initiative in an effort to improve hepatitis education, screening, prevention, and treatment referral services for veterans receiving SUD services. One component of the Liver Health Initiative is an hour-long educational group; the Healthy Liver Group. Objectives: After the Healthy Liver Group was firmly established, an evaluation took place in order to measure: 1) change in patient knowledge, 2) participant satisfaction, and 3) attitudes toward hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Methods: From August 2007 to May 2008, 102 veterans filled out a paper survey before and after their experience in the Healthy Liver Group. Significance and Conclusions: The results of this survey show an increase in basic knowledge of hepatitis, high levels of patient satisfaction, and strong acceptance of vaccinations for hepatitis A and B. Overall, the survey indicates that the Healthy Liver Group is providing an important service and is generally well accepted by patients.