The Knowsley Healthy Liver Clinic

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Knowsley Healthy Liver Clinic

• IRAS ID

  339100

• Contact name

  Daniel J Cuthbertson

• Contact email

  dan.cuthbertson@liverpool.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Liverpool

• Duration of Study in the UK

  6 years, 3 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Background: Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) occurs where there is too much fat in the liver due to obesity or diabetes. MASLD causes liver scarring and increases your risk of heart and kidney disease. We have set up the ‘Knowsley Healthy Liver Clinic’ in-line with the latest clinical guidelines. Patients aged 18-70 years with diabetes or obesity will be invited to attend this community clinic to screen them for MASLD (using a bedside test, Fibroscan) and associated conditions (diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, kidney disease). Patients will receive education (feedback on results, lifestyle advice) and offered referral to community weight management services. The clinical team will optimise patients’ medication and refer people with advanced disease to a specialist.

  Aim: Examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Knowsley Healthy Liver Clinic.

  Research plan:
  1. Collect data on patients’ health (metabolic, liver, kidneys, heart) from baseline and 6-month follow-up appointments to see if there is any improvement after people attend the baseline liver clinic.
  2. Examine the costs associated with the clinic and whether the liver clinic leads to improvement in quality-of-life scores assessed using a questionnaire to see if the service provides good value for money
  3. Examine if the clinic is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction using a questionnaire
  4. Examine the longer-term health outcomes for people attending the clinic for up to 5 years

  To demonstrate weight loss of ≥3% we need to see 436 patients. We aim to see 480 patients allowing for a 10% non-attendance rate.

  This research will involve collecting and analysing clinical data for patients attending the clinic and asking patients to complete questionnaires on their quality-of-life and satisfaction with the service. The only assessment performed for research purposes rather than clinical need is the 6-month follow-up Fibroscan examination.

• REC name

  HSC REC B

• REC reference

  24/NI/0034

• Date of REC Opinion

  7 Mar 2024

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion