JAPhA Practice Innovations
Impact of pharmacist-led fibrosis-4 screening in veterans with high-risk alcohol use
By Cheyenne Griebel, Courtney Eatmon, Gina Puglisi and 1 others.
Abstract
Background
Heavy alcohol use is linked to numerous negative health outcomes. Regular assessment of high-risk drinking, along with timely psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and specialty care, is essential for preventing or managing alcohol-related conditions, such as liver disease. The fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score is a useful tool for identifying patients who may be at an increased risk for advanced liver fibrosis.
Objectives
The objective of this project was to incorporate pharmacist-led FIB-4 screening into care and then provide targeted recommendations based on fibrosis risk to improve access to health care resources, such as gastroenterology (GI) referral and treatment engagement, among veterans with self-reported heavy alcohol use.