Exploring the perspectives of individuals accessing outreach services to identify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis: a qualitative descriptive study

Background: Increasing numbers of people are dying from liver disease, which often develops asymptomatically. A FibroScan is a portable, non-invasive device that measures liver stiffness via transient elastography to identify fibrosis associated with liver disease. A FibroScan can be used by nurses in outreach settings to make access easier for people from inclusion health populations at high risk of liver disease. However, there is limited research on individuals’ perspectives of receiving a FibroScan in an outreach setting. Aims: This study explored the perspectives of individuals accessing outreach services to identify liver fibrosis and subsequent cirrhosis. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken, utilising semi-structured interviews with people with Hepatitis C who received a FibroScan in an outreach setting ( n = 7). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Research Ethics Committee approval was gained. Results: Overall, six themes were developed: historical experiences of healthcare, mental health and cognition, community integration, perceptions of the FibroScan, connection and health literacy and information seeking. Conclusion: The FibroScan was perceived as accessible and acceptable, provision by nurses through outreach settings facilitated access to wider healthcare. Contribution to nursing, theory and policy: The findings will inform how health services plan future nurse-led outreach pathways for liver disease.