Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care: Patient Attitudes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study of Patient attitudes to Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Risk Stratification.
IRAS ID
172255
Contact name
Mary Ruth Gailer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
The project aims to explore the attitudes and understanding of patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) about the diagnosis and related risks to health through semi-structured interview.
The rise in liver disease, the difficulties of early detection and the increase in obesity mean that NAFLD currently presents an important challenge to doctors, policy makers and patients alike.
Recent scientific advances have developed specialized blood tests, which can quantify the amount of liver damage present. In Camden and Islington - two London boroughs with high rates of liver disease and obesity - an innovative pathway has been developed using these non-invasive tests. This aids GPs in identifying patients with NAFLD who are at high risk of complications so that they can be referred to local specialists. It allows those who are low risk and need lifestyle advice in primary care only to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. We predict therefore that this will improve patient experience and use of NHS resources.
This pathway is the first of its kind in the UK and offers important opportunities to research NAFLD in primary care. Literature on patient views around NAFLD is currently lacking. This study will aim to recruit 12 – 18 patients registered with a GP in Camden or Islington who have been diagnosed with NAFLD by their GP since March 2014 (i.e. onset of the NAFLD pathway). The aim is to map a range of patient views covering different risk groups, as well as those treated in accordance with the pathway and those in whom the pathway was not applied. Semi-structured interviews will occur in local GP practices and the Royal Free Hospital, London for high risk patients. These interviews will take place over a 6 week period and results will be transcribed and thematic analysis performed using the Framework Method.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
15/WA/0337
Date of REC Opinion
10 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion