Pilot Study of a Hepatology Home Hospital Program Providing Hospital-Level Care at Home for Adults with Advanced Liver Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a home healthcare program for adults with advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. This pilot trial aims to provide hospital-level care in the patients home to support those with serious liver conditions like ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, or hepatic encephalopathy. The study is sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital and focuses on improving care for patients who typically require hospital treatment. The intervention consists of a Hepatology Home Hospital program where patients report symptoms and vital signs from home. This triggers phone calls or home visits as needed, ensuring continuous communication with hepatology clinicians to manage care effectively outside the hospital. This approach allows patients to receive specialized liver disease management while staying at home. Participants will be monitored for up to 18 months, focusing primarily on the rate of care escalation. Additional outcomes include patient experience, adverse events, and acceptability of the home care approach over time. The study involves regular assessments and communication to track health status and safety during the home hospital care period.

HepHospital: A Pilot Trial of a Hepatology Home Hospital Intervention for Patients With Advanced Liver Disease