Measuring Patient Reported Needs in Outpatient Liver Disease Management

Overview

This prospective study aims to assess health-related social needs (HRSNs) among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) receiving outpatient care at Indiana University Health. Patients with CLD often face socioeconomic challenges that adversely affect health outcomes, but no validated screening tool exists for this population. The primary objective is to measure the prevalence and types of HRSNs in CLD patients. Secondary objectives are to evaluate patient preferences regarding provider involvement in addressing social needs, explore reasons for declining assistance, and assess provider perspectives on incorporating HRSN data into clinical care. A total of 200 adult patients with CLD and their visit providers will be enrolled. Participants will complete surveys on demographics, HRSNs, health literacy, quality of life, social support, and patient activation, with medical data supplemented from chart review. Providers will complete surveys about their experiences using HRSN data in routine practice. Results will describe unmet social needs in this population, patient and provider attitudes toward screening, and inform strategies for integrating HRSN assessments into liver disease management and routine healthcare delivery.

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) are a medically and socially vulnerable population who often face significant health-related social needs (HRSNs), such as financial strain, housing instability, limited access to transportation, and lack of social support. These unmet needs contribute to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare utilization, yet there is currently no validated screening tool specifically designed for patients with CLD. In addition, little is known about whether patients want their healthcare providers to address these needs, or how providers might use such information in routine practice. This study is designed to measure the prevalence of HRSNs in patients with CLD receiving care in outpatient liver clinics, and to explore patient and provider perspectives on the role of HRSN screening in clinical care. Patients will complete surveys assessing HRSNs, health literacy, quality of life, social support, and patient activation, with additional demographic and clinical information obtained from chart review. Providers will complete surveys regarding their experience and potential use of HRSN data. By combining patient- and provider-reported data, this study will generate new insights into the burden of unmet social needs in CLD, patient preferences for assistance from their care team, and provider attitudes toward incorporating HRSN data into clinical management. Findings are expected to inform the development and implementation of standardized HRSN screening approaches in liver disease care, with the broader goal of improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning with evolving healthcare quality standards.