P-984. Assessment of Clinical Practice Gaps Negatively Impacting Vaccination Rates for Hepatitis B

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have set goals for the elimination of viral hepatitis infection as a public health threat by 2030[HHS 2021; WHO 2016]. Barriers to achieving viral hepatitis elimination exist and progress toward hepatitis B (HepB) elimination has stalled. Understanding clinician gaps related to knowledge is critical to improve education and training to improve vaccination rates for HepB. Methods A survey instrument of 25 multiple choice, knowledge- and case-based questions allowed participants to assess their clinical knowledge related to HepB vaccination. Respondent confidentiality was maintained and responses were de-identified and aggregated prior to analyses. Data collection occurred from June 23, 2023 to August 31, 2023. Results Topic Gaps Measured with Incorrect Responses to Knowledge and Clinical Decision-Making Questions (%) PCPs (N=158) Pharmacists (N=98) Public Health Specialists (N=36) Knowledge Prevalence of chronic HepB in the US 56% 45% 53% Prevalence of US population vaccinated against HepB 51% 38% 47% Healthy People 2020 goal related to HepB 61% 72% 50% HepB vaccine safety 62% 35% 39% Continuity of care for HepB vaccines series 46% 39% 36% Completion rates for HepB vaccine series 57% 54% 56% Differences in completion rates for different HepB vaccines 74% 78% 64% Seroprotection rates with HepB vaccines 56% 54% 50% Clinical Decision-Making HepB vaccination recommendation in a patient case 42% 50% 31% HepB vaccine selection in a patient case 66% 57% 56% Contraindication for HepB vaccine 54% 59% 50% Most common rationale for not discussing HepB vaccination 82% 84% 94% Assessment of practice HepB vaccine coverage 59% 48% 44% Confidence Self-reported confidence in ability to discuss HepB vaccines with your patients 75% not confident 81% not confident 64% not confident Conclusion This assessment yielded important insights into gaps related to HepB vaccination rates. PCPs have lower knowledge related to HepB vaccines in many areas which may be contributing to lower HepB vaccination rates. Pharmacists are the least confident in recommending HepB vaccines to their patients, followed closely by PCPs. Additional education is needed to increase knowledge and confidence to meet elimination goals. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures