LiverPAL Early Palliative Care Added to Usual Hepatology Care for Hospitalized Patients With Advanced Liver Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether adding early palliative care to usual hepatology treatment can improve the quality of life, physical symptoms, mood, and communication about serious illness for hospitalized patients with advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis and related complications. This study compares usual liver disease care alone to usual care combined with early involvement of palliative care specialists. The goal is to see if this approach enhances symptom management and end-of-life care for patients and their families. The study has two groups one receiving standard hepatology care and the other receiving standard care plus early palliative care. The palliative care team focuses on managing symptoms, supporting coping, improving understanding of illness and prognosis, and coordinating care through hospital stays and transitions. The intervention is behavioral and involves integrating palliative care early during hospitalization. Participants will be assessed for quality of life using the FACIT-Pal tool up to 4 weeks and followed for up to 6 months to monitor symptoms, depression, anxiety, and communication about end-of-life preferences. Researchers will also review documentation of patient care preferences after death for up to 5 years. The study involves regular evaluations during hospitalization and follow-up periods to understand how early palliative care affects patient experiences and outcomes.

LiverPAL: A Trial of Inpatient Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Liver Disease