Project design
This is a multi-stage implementation science project. It will begin with formative research (descriptive studies) to fine-tune our understanding of patient and provider barriers, beliefs and needs affecting NAFLD/NASH screening, diagnosis and management in European primary care.
We will translate learnings into several important products including and online educational module for primary care providers, an evidence-based integrated NAFLD/NASH model of care for use in primary care and guidance to address practice gaps.
The development of the professional training and the NAFLD/NASH model of care will be guided by the consensus of expert panels with international participation. The educational module will be assessed via a pre-and-post evaluation study, while a randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the novel NAFLD/NASH model of care.
Setting and Population
The project population includes primary care providers and high-risk primary care patients in three European settings in Greece, Spain and the Netherlands. Although these countries represent diverse cultural backgrounds and economic/healthcare systems, no formal care pathways or NAFLD/NASH guidelines are in place in their primary care settings.
A sample of primary care providers per country will be trained to screen patients at high risk for NAFLD/NASH to identify with the use of our novel NAFLD/NASH model of care the progressive form of NAFLD (particularly when associated with advanced fibrosis) and make proper decisions towards further referral.
Anticipated Impact and Sustainability
This project is anticipated to contribute to theoretical frameworks, professional education, health services and policies. New evidence from our formative research may promote effective relationships between health teams and patients.
The educational module may enhance professional skills and service delivery, while the NAFLD/NASH model of care can contribute to systems’ upgrade. Evidence gained from the project along with guidance regarding NAFLD/NASH management can also impact European and national policies concerning the role of primary care on early identification of NAFLD/NASH and assessment of high-risk groups.
Future benefits on the European population are also expected through the improvement of NAFLD/NASH management in primary care and the adaptation of practice guidelines. Project outputs will be disseminated nationally and internationally through the consortium’s links and scientific networks.
