Defining comprehensive models of care for NAFLD

Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Oct;18(10):717-729. doi: 10.1038/s41575-021-00477-7. Epub 2021 Jun 25.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. Despite the increased demand placed on health-care systems, little attention has been given to the design and implementation of efficient and effective models of care for patients with NAFLD. In many health-care settings, no formal pathways exist and, where pathways are in place, they are often not standardized according to good practices. We systematically searched the peer-reviewed literature with the aim of identifying published examples of comprehensive models of care that answered four key questions: what services are provided? Where are they provided? Who is offering them? How are they coordinated and integrated within health-care systems? We identified seven models of care and synthesized the findings into eight recommendations nested within the 'what, where, who and how' of care models. These recommendations, aimed at policy-makers and practitioners designing and implementing models of care, can help to address the increasing need for the provision of good practice care for patients with NAFLD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Pathways
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods
  • Delivery of Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Dietetics
  • Disease Management
  • Gastroenterology
  • Humans
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / therapy*
  • Nursing
  • Patient Care Team
  • Physical Therapy Specialty
  • Policy Making
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Primary Health Care