Rhode Island Study Finds Liver Screenings Save Lives

Pilot program at community clinic identifies undiagnosed liver disease and offers early intervention.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:08am

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Researchers from Brown University conducted a small study that screened patients for liver disease at a community health clinic in Rhode Island. The study identified several participants with liver stiffness and disease who were previously unaware of their condition. The researchers provided counseling and connected patients to resources to help reverse the liver damage before it progressed to advanced stages.

Why it matters

Liver disease is often 'silent' and goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, leading to worse outcomes. This study demonstrates that providing on-site diagnostic screenings and culturally-tailored behavioral interventions at community clinics can help identify liver issues early and empower patients to make lifestyle changes to prevent further damage.

The details

The study, published in the Rhode Island Medical Journal, involved a two-stage screening process at Clínica Esperanza, a nonprofit clinic serving uninsured adults in Rhode Island. Over 11 months, the researchers used electronic health records to identify adults over 21 with risk factors like obesity and alcohol use disorder. These patients received behavioral screening and diagnostic imaging to detect liver stiffness and fat accumulation. The study found liver stiffness in 21% of participants and steatosis (fatty liver) in 57%, with none previously aware of their condition. Participants received either brief advice or motivational interviewing counseling to discuss their risk factors and connect to relevant clinic programs.

  • The study was conducted over 11 months.
  • It was published in the Rhode Island Medical Journal in April 2026.

The players

Hayley Treloar Padovano

Associate professor at Brown University's School of Public Health and Warren Alpert Medical School, and lead author of the study.

Mollie Monnig

Associate professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown University, and co-author of the study.

Clínica Esperanza

A nonprofit clinic in Rhode Island that provides health care to uninsured adults and partnered with the researchers on the study.

Dr. Kittichai Promrat

Gastroenterologist and hepatologist with Brown University Health's Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Liver Disease, and member of the research team.

Stephanie Goldstein

Associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior (research) at Brown University, and member of the research team.

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What they’re saying

“One of the biggest factors causing disparities in who progresses to the most severe liver disease and then eventually dies waiting on transplant lists is they were not diagnosed early enough and never offered appropriate treatment.”

— Hayley Treloar Padovano, Associate professor

“Although the intervention lasted only 30 days, the qualitative feedback from patients was very strong. Many expressed surprise at the condition and gratitude for feeling empowered to do something about it.”

— Mollie Monnig, Associate professor

What’s next

The researchers are applying for funding to conduct a larger randomized control trial to further assess the effectiveness of the program.

The takeaway

This study highlights the critical need for early detection and intervention for liver disease, especially in underserved communities. By integrating on-site diagnostics and culturally-tailored counseling into community health clinics, more patients can be empowered to make lifestyle changes and reverse liver damage before it progresses to advanced, life-threatening stages.