Local Public Health Case Management Services in Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
Identify effective collaborative techniques for meeting needs of Hepatitis B positive, pregnant in women in a diverse community.

Background:
The current Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program was implemented in 2002. The program has changed dramatically in the past few years as new refugee arrivals have increased. As the demographics of the populations served have changed, the needs of the families have grown. Most of the refugees have come from areas of the world where Hepatitis B is endemic in the population. The families have many basic needs in addition to medical needs. With basic needs being met through community collaboration, the Hepatitis B Public health Nurse is able to focus on ensuring that the families get their medical needs addressed.

Setting:
Client visits are arranged at their clinic which is a safe, neutral environment. The Public Health Nurse is able to meet with the family, provider, social worker. Coordination of care is achieved at the time of the clinic visit.

Population:
Pregnant women who have been identified as being Hepatitis B antigen positive and their families are the target population. Most of the women who are Hepatitis B antigen positive are refugees from other countries.

Project Description:
Women who are Hepatitis B positive are referred to Local Public Health during their pregnancy. The women are referred to GI specialists during their pregnancy for follow up. The babies are followed to ensure that the immunizations and serology are completed on time.

Results/Lessons Learned:
•Expanded collaboration with community agencies improves and streamlines fragmented services.
•Meeting with clients, medical practitioners and social services at clinic improve communication, reduce patient fear and remove barriers to care.