The Pulse | Thursday, June 13, 2019
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease can be linked to a multitude of other common health issues. Because this disease is becoming higher on the radar, it’s important for the GI community to understand the complexities and troubles that are associated. Amanda Chaney, DNP APRN FNP-BC FAANP, covers why this is a rising concern and ways to help prevention during her SGNA 46th Annual Course recording, “Understanding Fatty Liver Disease.”
What will attendees learn from your session recording? Why did you choose this topic?
Fatty liver disease is becoming a more common diagnosis. Our rising trend of obesity is directly correlated with more diabetes, metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease.
It is important for health care providers to understand the fundamentals of this disease in order to assist patients to make the necessary lifestyle changes for a better life.
How did you begin working with patients battling liver disease? Why would you encourage others to go into the same field of work?
I was hired into this specialty fresh out of nurse practitioner school. The area of hepatology and liver transplant is complex, stimulating and inspiring. There is never a dull moment and I continue to learn every day. If you are interested in challenging yourself and investing your career in an innovative field, I would strongly encourage a career in hepatology and liver transplant.
Why is this topic important to GI nurses and associates?
I think that nurses and associates excel in teaching patients about health promotion and disease prevention, and education regarding lifestyle changes is the best way to treat fatty liver disease. This is a disease where we can and should make a huge impact!
Some education focus areas should be how to make small incremental changes over time…slow and steady! This includes changes in diet, increasing moving/activity, seeing primary care provider to optimize diabetes control and cholesterol levels.
If participants have additional questions after this, I would encourage them to find out more about the disease. Invest time in learning all you can so that patients are given the best care.
Learn more aboout and register for Amanda's 46th Annual Course session recording here. Don't forget to register for her live July 16 webinar, "Managing the Patient with Cirrhosis."
SGNA is a community of nurses, technicians, medical assistants, industry representatives and other GI professionals. Members join to stay up-to-date on industry trends and evidence-based practice, receive free and discounted education, network with others passionate about gastroenterology and to feel pride in their profession. Join SGNA today!