Improving the identification and referral of patients with fatty liver disease in the emergency department

Improving Diagnostic Safety through STeatosis Identification, Risk stratification, and Referral in the ED (STIRRED)

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10931563

This study is looking at how to better diagnose and manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in emergency rooms, so that patients can quickly learn about their condition and get the right follow-up care they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931563 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in emergency department settings. By utilizing advanced technologies like natural language processing and machine learning, the project aims to ensure that patients are promptly informed about their hepatic steatosis diagnosis and referred for appropriate follow-up care. The goal is to address the current gaps in awareness and reporting among healthcare providers, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have been diagnosed with or are at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have fatty liver disease or related risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of fatty liver disease, reducing the risk of serious health complications for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improving diagnostic processes and provider awareness can lead to better patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.