‘Thinking ahead’ publication highly commended by the British Medical Association

Our guide for patients with advanced liver disease has been highly commended at the British Medical Association.

‘Thinking ahead: planning for your future with advanced liver disease’ aims to make difficult conversations less frightening and easier to navigate, and to dispel some common misconceptions. Importantly, this is a resource for both those who are living with a life-limiting liver condition and their loved ones.

The British Liver Trust has taken a difficult and sensitive subject and conveyed information in a gentle yet information and supportive way.

The judges said: “This is an excellent leaflet in its purpose, content and tone, and the way it has been developed. The organisation involved experts with a wide range of roles, experience and viewpoints. Users were involved at several stages of development, not just at the beginning and the end.

"The leaflet has two intended audiences, people with liver disease and their loved ones, and users were involved representing both groups. The British Liver Trust has taken a difficult and sensitive subject and conveyed information in a gentle yet information and supportive way. "

The BMA patient information awards recognise excellence in the production and dissemination of accessible, well-designed and clinically balanced patient information.

Vanessa Hebditch, Director of Communications and Policy at the British Liver Trust, said: “We're delighted that this publication has been highly commended by the BMA> Being diagnosed with this advanced form of liver disease can be a terrifying and confusing time for patients and their loved ones. This is why we have produced this booklet to help understanding and enable patients and loved ones to talk to their healthcare professionals so that they can better manage their symptoms and plan for the future. Advice on planning ahead will also provide them with valuable piece of mind.”

The publication is free to download or order from the British Liver Trust website.