Measuring Patient Reported Needs in Outpatient Liver Disease Management

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.