Fuse badged meetings
Improving detection and management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Venue: Online
- Start: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:30:00 BST
- End: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:30:00 BST
Co-hosted by Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health
About the event
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease that affects around 1 in 3 people in the UK. If NAFLD is not managed effectively it can progress to advanced scarring of the liver, cirrhosis, and for some, end-stage liver disease. Risk factors for NAFLD include pre-diabetes, obesity, and low levels of physical activity, therefore it is considered preventable for most people. Although not attributable to alcohol, alcohol consumption when combined with other risk factors, can accelerate progression of NAFLD, and reduce the positive effects of lifestyle behaviour change. Due to the asymptomatic nature of NAFLD, it can progress undetected, therefore patients frequently present once end-stage liver disease has developed.
The Tees Valley has some of the highest rates of liver disease in England. Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, and Redcar and Cleveland are ranked 7th, 10th and 13th respectively for liver disease mortality rates in under 75s; and Hartlepool and Middlesbrough are ranked 4th and 16th for NAFLD-related hospital admissions. The prevalence is driven by high levels of deprivation – i.e., those from deprived areas are more likely to develop, be hospitalised, and die from liver disease when compared to those from the least deprived areas.
This online event will provide information about a recently funded NIHR Research Partnership for liver disease research; and include informative presentations about what NAFLD is, how it manifests, and highlight ongoing research in other areas of the north east to improve detection and management of NAFLD in primary and secondary care.
The overall aim of the event is to involve attendees in discussion about how NAFLD can be better detected and managed in primary and secondary care and community settings in the Tees Valley. This is the first of three events that aims to involve a range of stakeholders in liver disease research and research proposals.
What will I gain from this?
An understanding of NAFLD, an update on research currently underway to improve detection and management of NAFLD in the north-east, and an opportunity to work collaboratively to set research priorities and to develop and optimise service provision in the Tees Valley.
Who should attend?
Anyone with an interest in prevention, detection, management, and improved outcomes for people with NAFLD. This event will be particularly useful for primary care colleagues, and colleagues working in local authority public health and community services within the Tees Valley. People with NAFLD are also encouraged to attend to ensure research priorities and informed by lived experience.
If you have any further questions about the event, please contact Leah Avery, Professor of Applied Health Psychology, Teesside University (Lead, NIHR funded Tees Valley Research Partnership) (leah.avery@tees.ac.uk), Dr Tim Hardy, Consultant Hepatologist, South Tees NHS Hospitals Trust (co-lead), or Annmarie Ruse, Project Assistant Administrator (a.ruse@tees.ac.uk).
Event programme - 19 April 2023
