P118 Examination to the effect of providing psychological and social support, in conjunction with standard clinical care, on patients aged 1830 with liver disease

<h3>Body</h3> The 18–30-year-old age group often face significant challenges in accessing and engaging with liver healthcare services. Factors such as unstable housing, financial hardship, employment/educational demands, and mental health difficulties can all create barriers to effective disease management. Adolescent development is still occurring for many patients aged 18–30, consequently impacting young adult patients’ capabilities with adherence, time management, decision-making, and impulse control, all of which, in the context of liver disease, can contribute to poorer compliance with their treatment programme. Additionally, many patients transitioning from paediatric liver services to adult liver services find the process disjointed and difficult to navigate. Targeted support during this transition period can help make the shift more pleasant and prevent disengagement from care. Young adult patients have expressed that feeling heard, supported, and understood makes a significant difference to their willingness to engage with services and take ownership of their health. <h3>Methods</h3> A specific ‘Young Adult Support clinic’ has been established in the hepatology service at the Royal Free Hospital to treat patients aged 18–30 with any liver aetiology and a need for psychosocial support. This clinic provides holistic care by combining clinical care with social work support, psychological services, and longer appointments with consultants. <h3>Results</h3> Patients who have received this multidisciplinary clinic support report observing a better understanding of their liver disease, increased confidence in managing their condition, and greater engagement with healthcare services. The Young Adult support worker has also attended other speciality liver clinics and, since March 2024, the service has supported over 60 patients with varying liver conditions including viral hepatitis, genetic liver disease, immune-mediated liver diseases, pre and post-transplant, steatotic liver disease, and alcohol related liver disease. This clinical model also addresses wider health inequalities by providing support with PIP (Personal Independent Payment), housing, and other benefits to ensure that patients can have equal opportunities to healthcare. Furthermore, psychology support helps address underlying factors such as anxiety, depression, and addiction, which can otherwise hinder self-care and recovery. <h3>Discussion</h3> Supporting young adults aged 18–30 with holistic social and psychological interventions, alongside traditional clinical care, improves patient experiences and outcomes. This approach enables improved understanding and management of liver disease, whilst also addressing socioeconomic barriers that can obstruct access to care. By embedding holistic support into liver health services, we can reduce health inequalities and ensure young adults receive the comprehensive care they need to succeed.