The guideline was co-created by patients, researchers and clinicians, and aims to support better health for patients, living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It contains the right information to manage their condition, and includes relevant facts and medical terms. This is to prepare patients for conversations with their clinical team, as well as providing examples of how patients can monitor their condition and assess the success of different treatment measures.
NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and has a high disease burden. Despite its frequency, there is still a lot to be learned; scientists are still uncovering a lot about the disease today. The management of NAFLD is complex and patients often need to see many healthcare providers on a regular basis.
Patients, patient representatives, clinicians and scientists have created the guide. It captures current scientific recommendations and supports patients in making informed decisions.
Martine Walmsley, a patient representative involved in writing the guideline said:
Clinical guidelines are a reliable source of information but are too scientific for the average person. To create a helpful resource for people affected by NAFLD, we deliberately cut through the medical jargon. We wrote everything from the perspective of patients, not doctors. That’s what makes this patient guideline different.
One of the clinicians involved was Dr Kate Hallsworth, a Senior Research Physiotherapist at Newcastle Hospitals, and a trainee with the Newcastle BRC’s Liver Disease theme. She comments:
It has been very rewarding to create this document with patients living with NAFLD and international experts. As clinicians and researchers, we really value the input we have from people living with serious health conditions. It helps us to ensure that our work really makes a difference and ultimately aims to improve clinical care.
The document, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A patient guide, is available here