More than a ‘lifestyle’ choice? Does a patient's use of alcohol affect professionals' perceptions of harm and safeguarding responsibilities when it comes to self-neglect? A case study in alcohol-related liver disease

Abstract

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is the leading cause of liver disease in the UK, with hospital admissions and deaths continuing to rise. Using a case study that demonstrates a familiar presentation, we consider the challenges and complexities of safeguarding in a patient with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and ARLD, with particular regard to self-neglect. Self-neglect can be a subjective and contentious subject, and, in patients with AUD, it may be interpreted as a lifestyle choice. Hepatology nurses often have regular contact and longstanding relationships with this patient group and thus, as part of the multidisciplinary team, have the potential to play an important role in recognising and escalating safeguarding concerns.