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Introducing palliative care for patients with end stage liver disease

Introducing Palliative Care (PC) Within the Treatment of End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Albert Einstein Healthcare Network · NCT03540771

This study is testing two different ways to provide palliative care for people with end stage liver disease to see which one helps improve their quality of life better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1260 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorAlbert Einstein Healthcare Network Academic / other
Locations19 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 18 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03540771 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares two models of palliative care for patients with end stage liver disease: a consultative model with direct access to palliative care providers and a model where trained hepatologists deliver palliative care. It is a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial involving 14 clinical centers across the U.S. The primary outcome is the change in quality of life over three months, assessed using the FACT-Hep scale. Additionally, a qualitative study will gather patient and caregiver experiences through semi-structured interviews.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with new onset or ongoing complications of end stage liver disease, including those with hepatocellular cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with a MELD score greater than 30 or an expected life expectancy of less than six months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from end stage liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar palliative care approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with new onset or ongoing complications of End Stage Liver Disease including Hepatocellular Cancer (HCC) (irrespective of their transplant status), with a caregiver willing to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

MELD\> 30 or Expected life expectancy of less than 6 months

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 18 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions End Stage Liver Diseasepalliative carehepatology
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.