Efficient and practical dissemination of information on viral hepatitis in Japan: an effort by the Hepatitis Information Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine.

Abstract

One of the important missions of the Hepatitis Information Center is to disseminate information regarding liver disease. The Hepatitis Information Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) has been endeavoring to ensure that reliable and up-to-date information on liver disease is accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability, and background. Described here are several initiatives with regard to the dissemination of information about liver disease including: i) Education tool for youth, ii) Conversion of materials on liver diseases into audio format for the visually impaired, and iii) Hepatic Disease Medical Navigation System (Hepatic Navi). Hepatic Navi is a web-based search tool that informs users of the location and other information concerning medical centers where people can be tested for the hepatitis virus for free or at reduced cost. Hepatic Navi consolidates data from 47 prefectures into one database. The system depicts data via an interface that can be accessed anywhere with a PC, tablet, smart phone, or mobile phone. As a result, it has become possible for anyone from anywhere to access information on hepatitis virus testing. By using Hepatic Navi, it is anticipated that general people in need feel free to access to the testing and further treatment for virus hepatitis.