LiverPAL: A Randomized Trial of Inpatient Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Liver Disease
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether early integration of palliative care in the care of hospitalized patients with advanced liver disease (AdvLD) can improve patients' quality of life, physical symptoms, mood, and serious illness communication. Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on lessening (or palliating) symptoms and assisting in coping with serious illness.
• Hospitalized patient with a diagnosis of advanced liver disease, defined as cirrhosis with one of the following (new or ongoing) within the prior six months from date of consent:
‣ Ascites (requiring diuretics or serial large volume paracenteses)
⁃ Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
⁃ Hepatic hydrothorax (requiring diuretics)
⁃ Variceal bleed (with one or more occurrences)
⁃ Overt hepatic encephalopathy (requiring medications)
• Ability to comprehend English
• Adult caregiver (≥ 18 years of age)
• A relative or friend identified by the patient upon whom the patient relies for help and who likely is to be present in-person during hospitalizations or clinic appointments, or willing to participate by phone
• Ability to comprehend English and can complete questionnaires