Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 80

Improving care for Veterans with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Official title: Testing the Effectiveness of NAFLD Clinical Care Pathway in VA Primary Care

Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06671886 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests a new way to help Veterans with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by using a structured plan to improve diagnosis and treatment compared to regular care.

More NAFLD trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment32 (estimated)
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development
Federal
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 2, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 31, 2028
Study endsNovember 13, 2028
Registry record updatedNovember 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT06671886 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans receiving care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center who are at risk for NAFLD.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not have access to the main hospital or those whose care teams do not treat NAFLD will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among Veterans by implementing a Clinical Care Pathway (NCCP). The NCCP utilizes an algorithmic approach to identify at-risk patients, assess their risk of severe NAFLD, and educate primary care providers on appropriate management strategies. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of this structured intervention against usual care in increasing diagnosis rates and facilitating referrals for treatment. By addressing the significant gap in care for NAFLD within the VA system, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications associated with the disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of NAFLD in Veterans, ultimately reducing the risk of severe liver complications.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar structured care pathways in improving diagnosis and management of chronic diseases, indicating potential for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Exclusion Criteria:

* The investigators will exclude PACTs with unstable leadership (i.e., pending departure, vacancy) at time of randomization
* PACTs participating in the focus groups in Aim 1 will be excluded in Aim 2 to avoid cross contamination
* PACTs meeting the following criteria will be excluded from randomization in Aim 2:

  * PACTs who do not treat NAFLD
  * PACTs not located at the main hospital
  * PACTs with less than 100 visits within 3 months

Where it's running

  • Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Hashem B. El-Serag, MD MPH — Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
  • Study coordinator: Hashem B El-Serag, MD MPH
  • Email: Hashem.El-Serag@va.gov
  • Phone: (713) 794-8640

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.