Improving the identification and referral of patients with fatty liver disease in the emergency department
Official title: Improving Diagnostic Safety through STeatosis Identification, Risk stratification, and Referral in the ED (STIRRED)
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10931563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $482,197 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS029777-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have been diagnosed with or are at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have fatty liver disease or related risk factors may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kontrick, Amy V — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kontrick, Amy V
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.