Mission
The mission of the Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program is to conduct activities that will serve to improve the health of Alaska Natives and American Indians who either have or are at risk for getting hepatitis and other liver disease through:
- Research into the natural history, prevention, and treatment of hepatitis and liver disease
- Research into the effectiveness of hepatitis vaccines, including the method, timing and frequency of vaccine administration and the length of time those vaccinated are protected
- Patient education to promote knowledge, understanding and prevention of hepatitis and liver disease
- Information sharing with research participants to acknowledge their contribution and point out key findings
- Medical screening of hepatitis patients to detect cancer and liver disease at an early stage and to recommend and offer treatment as appropriate
- Consultation to health care providers to assist in the prevention and management of hepatitis and liver disease
- Consultation Delivery of health care that is consistent with established standards of practice
Vision
To promote innovation and teamwork between program and hospital staff that extends into collaborative works with other health care professionals, thereby achieving excellence in patient care and research activities.
Values
The Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program recognizes the value of:
- Fostering an environment that acknowledges and honors our patient's cultural heritage
- Selecting and retaining highly skilled health care professionals
We value excellence in clinical research and practice, and therefore:
- Maintain conduct standards as defined by current regulations
- Pledge protection of the rights, welfare and safety of patients and study participants
- Guarantee all research is approved by institutional review boards and tribal entities
- Assure quality, integrity and security of research data and the confidentiality of patient records
We value protecting the patient's right-to-know by using the process of informed consent to:
- Ensure understanding through written and verbal communication
- Provide an opportunity for asking questions
- Permit voluntarily agreement for study participation, refusal and withdrawal that will not affect quality of health care received
