Liver specialists within community helps to identify the early signs of liver disease

Specialist liver clinics which are embedded within GP practices improves patient attendance rates and the confidence of GPs when managing patients with liver conditions, a new Southampton study has shown.

The LOCATE study, which is funded by the British Liver Trust, sees specialist liver nurses situated in GP practices to improve the identification of progressive liver disease, enabling earlier intervention.

In a study evaluation, published in BMJ Open, practice staff said it was a positive experience to have an onsite liver clinic to refer patients to. For example all the staff noted a higher patient attendance rate as they didn't have to travel any further than their local GP surgery, and were seen in a familiar environment.

The two most notable findings were that GPs felt more confident managing patients with abnormal liver function blood test results and, once the liver clinic had finished, they felt better equipped with knowledge and information on how to identify the early signs of liver disease. However, these same GPs did not feel confident in being able to motivate their patients to make the necessary lifestyle changes required to improve their liver health.

Tina Reinson, a researcher, conducted the evaluation as part of her thesis, said: “Our findings highlight the need for more training for GPs in how to best support patients in making the behavioural changes which would halt or reverse their liver disease.”