LiverPAL: uno studio randomizzato di cure palliative ospedaliere per pazienti con malattia epatica avanzata (LiverPAL)

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

1. 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)

2. Ability to comprehend English

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior history of liver transplantation
2. Have uncontrolled hepatic encephalopathy, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorder or other comorbid condition which the primary medical, hepatology, and/or transplant surgery teams believes prohibits the ability to provide informed consent
3. Current or recent (within 5 years of receiving curative cancer treatment) history of extrahepatic malignancy (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)
4. Presence of hepatocellular carcinoma beyond Milan criteria
5. Are already receiving hospice care
6. Receive a score of <10 on the Simplified Animal Naming Test

Caregiver Inclusion Criteria

1. Adult caregiver (≥ 18 years of age)
2. 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
3. Ability to comprehend English and can complete questionnaires

Caregiver Exclusion Criteria

1. Inability to comprehend English