Outreach services to identify cirrhosis: A qualitative study V 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the perspectives of individuals using outreach services to identify cirrhosis: A qualitative study
IRAS ID
344955
Contact name
Michelle Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Public Health Wales
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 0 days
Research summary
Across the United Kingdom more people are dying of liver disease. The risk factors for developing liver disease are alcohol misuse, having hepatitis B or hepatitis C and obesity. Many people do not know they have liver disease as it often develops without any symptoms, which means that the disease is identified late and is more likely to be advanced which is more difficult to treat.
The way healthcare services are currently designed makes it more difficult for inclusion health population groups to access care and treatment, including people who use drugs and alcohol; people who are homeless; and people in contact with the criminal justice system. A FibroScan is a portable and non-invasive device that can be used to scan the liver to identify signs of liver disease. FibroScans can be used in outreach settings to make it easier for those at high risk of liver disease to access care. However, we do not know enough about people's experiences of receiving a FibroScan in this setting.
The aim of the study is to explore client’s perspective and acceptability of accessing a FibroScan in an outreach setting.
6-10 participants will be recruited who have accessed testing and treatment for Hepatitis C Virus through a community inclusion health outreach service and have been recalled for their FibroScan in the outreach setting. The study will be conducted in an outreach setting in Swansea and the participants will complete one face-to-face semi-structured interview with the researcher. The study will last two months.
The findings of the study will be to inform how we plan our future outreach services for liver disease for inclusion health populations.The research is funded by a fellowship grant funded by the Research Capacity Building Collaboration Wales, through Health and Care Research Wales, Welsh Government.
Results Summary:
Thank you very much to all the individuals who participated in the study exploring the perspectives of individuals accessing outreach services to identify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.General information
Study title: Exploring the perspectives of individuals accessing outreach services to identify liver cirrhosis: A qualitative study Who carried out the research? The study was funded by a fellowship grant by RCBCWales through Health and Care Research Wales and Welsh Government and sponsored by Public Health Wales.
Public Involvement: Seven people from peer networks in a homeless setting and a drug and alcohol service helped us to develop the interview questions, study documentation, and informed reimbursement and feedback processes.
Where and when the study took place: The study took place in Swansea Bay University Health Board between January 2025 and March 2025.
Why was the research needed
Across the United Kingdom more people are dying of liver disease. The risk factors for developing liver disease are alcohol misuse, having hepatitis B or hepatitis C and obesity. Many people do not know they have liver disease as it often develops without any symptoms, which means that the disease is identified late, is more likely to be advanced and therefore more difficult to treat. The way healthcare services are currently designed makes it more difficult for inclusion health population groups to access care and treatment, including people who are using drugs and alcohol; people who are homeless; and people in contact with the criminal justice system. A FibroScan is a portable and non-invasive device that can be used to scan the liver to identify signs of liver disease. A FibroScan can be used in outreach settings to make it easier for those at high risk of liver disease to access care. However, we do not know enough about people's experiences of receiving a FibroScan in outreach settings.
What were the main questions studied?
The study objectives were:
1. To review the literature on peoples’ perspectives on use of community outreach services to access health care
2. To explore peoples’ perspectives and acceptability of accessing a FibroScan in an outreach setting
3. To make recommendations for the development of high-quality accessible services to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for inclusion health populations in Wales.
What happened during the study and who participated?
People who had accessed testing and treatment for Hepatitis C Virus through a community inclusion health outreach service and have been recalled for their FibroScan in Swansea Bay University Health Board were invited to take part in an interview.
In total 7 people completed individual interviews. The data was analysed to understand peoples’ perspectives of accessing a FibroScan in outreach settings.
What were the results of the study?
Overall, the FibroScan was seen as an accessible, acceptable and that provision through outreach settings was the preferred route.The study found that historical experiences with healthcare and stigma influenced perceptions and engagement of healthcare and the outreach FibroScan service.
That trust and the interpersonal relationship with the nurse who provided the FibroScan service was important to the acceptability and engagement with the service.
Integration of the FibroScan service into the community and the individual’s social support system was valued, facilitated access to the service and acted as a bridge to access support from other health and social care services.
Mental health impacted on engagement with the outreach FibroScan service and other health services.
How has this study helped patients and researchers?
The study findings will be used to inform how health services plan future outreach services for liver disease for inclusion health populations.
Where can I learn more about this study?
Please get in touch with the research team if you have any other queries.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0302
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion