Early Detection In Fibrosis (EDIF)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
NIHR MAHSC: Early Detection In Fibrosis (EDIF): Evaluation of the implementation of a novel liver fibrosis screening pathway for people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse in Greater Manchester
IRAS ID
329228
Contact name
Stephen KAAR
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
This project will evaluate the implementation of a novel NHS Addictions Service-based liver fibrosis screening pathway in Greater Manchester for people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse, using a qualitative methods design.
Alcohol use disorders are a major public health challenge: they are the leading cause of preventable disability in working age men and the third greatest risk factor for years lived with disability. Deaths from liver disease have increased by over 400% since the 1970s in the UK. In 2021 there were 5,686 premature deaths from alcohol-related liver disease in England, an 8% rise on the previous year. In Greater Manchester in 2022 there was a 11% rise in drug and alcohol related deaths. Alcohol disorders also account for around 12% of A&E attendances, 9% of hospital admissions and 7% total bed days.
Screening for liver fibrosis using transient elastography can detect the early signs of alcoholic liver disease and HCV-related liver complications and so can prevent substance misuse-related deaths, by reducing progression to cirrhosis and transplantation. Moreover, if used as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment programme, such early detection may allow medical and psychosocial interventions to be implemented earlier to reduce preventable deaths.
We will interview 15 service-users, 15 staff, and 15 key stakeholders about their experiences with the pathway to find out how these services work, what works well, and what can be improved. We hope this knowledge will help all substance misuse services to improve care and outcomes.
The study was designed by researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience of alcohol use problems. People with lived experience will contribute to all aspects of the study, from designing materials at the start, to producing reports at the end. This is to make sure the study is relevant and helpful.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SW/0089
Date of REC Opinion
24 Sep 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion