An Integrative Model for Palliative Care in End-Stage Liver Disease

An Integrative Model for Palliative Care in End-Stage Liver Disease

The purpose of this research study is to understand the impact of palliative care in ESLD on quality of life, emergency room or hospital visits, and on care provider burden, and to work to develop the best way to provide palliative care in ESLD.

Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have multiple symptoms that impact their quality of life and result in more emergency room and hospital visits. Palliative care is a medical model that can help alleviate pain and suffering and reduce need for urgent medical care and can do so while continuing other appropriate medical care. While palliative care consults are used in those with ESLD, despite the pain and suffering that accompanies ESLD, palliative care is often used too little and too late.

Inclusion Criteria:

Primary participant:

• admission for decompensated cirrhosis, age ≥ 18
• willingness to sign consent
• able to read and understand English
• presence of decompensated cirrhosis with portal hypertension (jaundice, ascites, HE, hepatohydrothorax, AKI, HRS and/or variceal bleeding) or HCC

Caregiver:

• identified as the primary caregiver of the participant
• age ≥ 18
• willingness to sign consent
• able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

Primary participant:

• prior liver transplant
• lack of capacity to provide informed consent (in the judgement of the investigator)
• already in receipt of palliative or hospice care
• those who are likely to receive a LT during the index admission

Caregiver:

• none