For those affected, chronic hepatitis D is often associated with uncertainty, regular follow-up examinations and long-term medical care. New treatment options have improved the outlook. At the same time, it is becoming clear that good care involves more than diagnostics and treatment alone. It also requires clear information, continuous support and care that takes the lived reality of those affected into account.

Specialised nursing care as an important form of support

This is where current work by experts from nursing, public health and hepatology comes in. Two contributions presented at the European Liver Congress in 2025 and 2026 highlight the role specialised nurses play in the care of people with HBV/HDV co-infection. They support patients across different phases, from diagnosis and treatment planning to treatment initiation and follow-up care. The aim is to support patients’ self-management, for example in questions relating to treatment adherence and care coordination.

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Focus on culturally sensitive communication

Another key focus is culturally sensitive communication. In Switzerland, people with a migration background are particularly often affected by hepatitis D, which means that linguistic and cultural barriers can influence care. A decision-support tool presented at the EASL Congress 2026 can help healthcare professionals choose an appropriate form of communication support depending on the situation. The options are wide-ranging, from visual aids or digital tools to professional interpreters, who are particularly helpful in complex conversations or situations where misunderstandings could have serious consequences.
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Looking at hepatitis D therefore clearly shows how important person-centred care is: Medical progress opens up new possibilities. But for these advances to truly reach patients, trust, clear communication and long-term support are essential.