Understanding Primary Care Physician Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease : A Qualitative Study

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are well suited to manage patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the limited, existing research suggests inadequate knowledge about the natural history, diagnostic methods, and management of NAFLD. The purpose of this qualitative study is to further understand the knowledge and practices for the diagnosis and management of NAFLD among PCPs. We conducted in-depth interviews with PCPs in the Greater Houston area, addressing current clinical practices used for diagnosing and managing NAFLD, as well as the perceptions of the PCPs regarding the burden of NAFLD on patients. We recorded interviews, transcribed them, coded transcripts, and identified patterns and themes. The interviewed PCPs (n = 16) were from internal or family medicine, with a range of experience (1.5-30 years). We found variations in NAFLD diagnosis and management across practices and by insurance status. Patients with abnormal liver imaging who had insurance or were within a safety-net healthcare system were referred by PCPs to specialists. Uninsured patients with persistently elevated liver enzymes received lifestyle recommendations from PCPs without confirmatory imaging or specialist referral. The role of PCPs in NAFLD management varied, with some helping patients set dietary and physical activity goals while others provided only general recommendations and/or referred patients to a dietitian. The diagnosis and management of NAFLD vary widely among PCPs and may be impacted by patients' insurance status and clinic-specific practices. The increasing burden of NAFLD in the U.S. medical system highlights the need for more PCPs involvement in managing NAFLD.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:61

Enthalten in:

Inquiry : a journal of medical care organization, provision and financing - 61(2024) vom: 25. Jan., Seite 469580241241272

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Heredia, Natalia I [VerfasserIn]
John, Jemima C [VerfasserIn]
Singh, Sonia [VerfasserIn]
Hwang, Jessica P [VerfasserIn]
Strong, Larkin L [VerfasserIn]
Balakrishnan, Maya [VerfasserIn]
McNeill, Lorna H [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Family medicine
Internal medicine
Interviews
Journal Article
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Primary care physicians
Qualitative research

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 27.03.2024

Date Revised 29.03.2024

published: Print

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1177/00469580241241272

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM370194578