Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Modestly Enhance Prediction of Readmission in Patients with Cirrhosis

Digital Health Innovations to Catalyze the Transition to Value-Based Health Care

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The health care industry is currently going through a transformation due to the integration of technologies and the shift toward value-based health care (VBHC). This article explores how digital health solutions play a role in advancing VBHC, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting these technologies. Digital health, which includes mobile health, wearable devices, telehealth, and personalized medicine, shows promise in improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment options, and overall health outcomes. The article delves into the concept of transformation in health care by emphasizing its potential to reform care delivery through data communication, patient engagement, and operational efficiency. Moreover, it examines the principles of VBHC, with a focus on patient outcomes, and emphasizes how digital platforms play a role in treatment among tertiary hospitals by using patient-reported outcome measures. The article discusses challenges that come with implementing VBHC, such as stakeholder engagement and standardization of patient-reported outcome measures. It also highlights the role played by health innovators in facilitating the transition toward VBHC models. Through real-life case examples, this article illustrates how digital platforms have had an impact on efficiencies, patient outcomes, and empowerment. In conclusion, it envisions directions for solutions in VBHC by emphasizing the need for interoperability, standardization, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to fully realize the potential of digital transformation in health care. This research highlights the impact of digital health in creating a health care system that focuses on providing high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered care.

The new digital era in decompensated cirrhosis

There is a growing global burden of liver disease with the current management for complications of liver cirrhosis being reactive as opposed to proactive, affecting outcomes. Management can often be suboptimal in overburdened health-care systems with considerable socioeconomic and geographical disparity existing, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for sustainable care pathways to be delivered remotely. To this end, digital health care could be the key and, in this Review, we highlight the principal studies that have explored the use of digital technology in the management of cirrhosis complications. While digital health care is a somewhat new field, considerable advances have been made in various domains, particularly in the development of remote monitoring and risk modelling. We aim to provide a balanced perspective of the opportunities for and barriers to the integration of digital technology into established liver-care pathways. Lastly, we reflect on the current acceptability of digital health care and the required future directions to ensure the digital transformation of hepatology is a success.

Distinct risk groups with different healthcare barriers and acute care use exist in the U.S. population with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

The relationship between community-based healthcare barriers and risk of recurrent hospital-based care among persons with chronic liver disease (CLD) is understudied. We aimed to uncover distinct groups among adults in the United States with CLD based on healthcare barriers and risk-stratify recurrent acute care use by group.

METHODS

Using National Health Interview Survey (2011 to 2017) data, we performed latent class analysis (LCA) to uncover groups experiencing distinct sets of healthcare barriers. We assessed sociodemographic and health characteristics and probabilities of recurrent acute care use by group.

RESULTS

The sample included 5,062 (estimated 4.7 million) adults with CLD (median [range] age 55 [18-85]). LCA modeling differentiated 4 groups: minimal barriers (group 1) (n = 3,953; 78.1%), unaffordability (group 2) (n = 540; 10.7%), care delays (group 3) (n = 328; 6.5%), and inability to establish care (group 4) (n = 240; 4.8%). Group 2 had the most uninsured persons (n = 210; 38.9%), whereas group 3 was mostly insured (n = 305; 93.1%). Group 4 included the most adults under 65 years old (n = 220; 91.7%), females (n = 156; 65.1%), and persons with unemployment (n = 169; 70.6%) and poverty (n = 85; 35.3%). Compared to group 1, the likelihood of recurrent acute care use was highest for group 4 (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.23-2.79 followed by group 3 (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.07-2.11) and group 2 (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11-1.97).

CONCLUSION

US adults with CLD can be categorized into 4 distinct groups based on healthcare barriers, which are associated with different probabilities of recurrent acute care use. Findings from this study are important for future interventions to reduce potentially avoidable hospital-based care among the highest-risk persons with CLD.

Low socioeconomic status exacerbates unmet health-related needs in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diminished quality of life has been well characterized in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH); however, the full spectrum of unmet needs is unclear. We hypothesized that there is a high burden of health-related unmet needs in patients with AIH, and this burden differs by socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS

Members of the Autoimmune Hepatitis Association were invited online and by email to complete a modified version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Needs Questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data were also captured. Low SES was defined as annual household income <30 k, education level below high school, or moderate-high concern for transportation, food or housing. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between unmet health-related needs and SES.

RESULTS

There were 433 participants; 89.8% identified as women, 16.2% lived outside the US, and 25.6% were classified as low SES. Over 70% of respondents reported at least one moderate-high need in the health-related unmet need domains. In multivariable logistic regression, patients in the low-SES group reported significantly higher odds of unmet needs compared to the moderate-high-SES group: for adequate information about side effects (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.06-2.53, p = 0.026), opportunity to speak with others with AIH (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.50-3.66, p < 0.001), healthcare professionals acknowledging patient emotions (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.56-3.74, p < 0.001) and being taken seriously by medical providers (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.34-3.28, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a high burden of health-related unmet needs in all patients with AIH that is exacerbated by low SES.

Can prediction models for hospital readmission be improved by incorporating patient-reported outcome measures? A systematic review and narrative synthesis

PURPOSE

To investigate the roles, challenges, and implications of using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in predicting the risk of hospital readmissions.

METHODS

We systematically searched four bibliometric databases for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 1 January 2000 and 15 June 2023 and used validated PROMs to predict readmission risks for adult populations. Reported studies were analysed and narratively synthesised in accordance with the CHARMS and PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 2858 abstracts reviewed, 23 studies met predefined eligibility criteria, representing diverse geographic regions and medical specialties. Among those, 19 identified the positive contributions of PROMs in predicting readmission risks. Seven studies utilised generic PROMs exclusively, eleven used generic and condition-specific PROMs, while 5 focussed solely on condition-specific PROMs. Logistic regression was the most used modelling approach, with 13 studies aiming at predicting 30-day all-cause readmission risks. The c-statistic, ranging from 0.54 to 0.84, was reported in 22/23 studies as a measure of model discrimination. Nine studies reported model calibration in addition to c-statistic. Thirteen studies detailed their approaches to dealing with missing data.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the potential of PROMs to enhance predictive accuracy in readmission models, while acknowledging the diversity in data collection methods, readmission definitions, and model evaluation approaches. Recognizing that PROMs serve various purposes beyond readmission reduction, our study supports routine data collection and strategic integration of PROMs in healthcare practices to improve patient outcomes. To facilitate comparative analysis and broaden the use of PROMs in the prediction framework, it is imperative to consider the methodological aspects involved.

Thirty-Day Readmissions Are Largely Not Preventable in Patients With Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

Hospital readmissions are common in patients with cirrhosis, but there are few studies describing readmission preventability. We aimed to describe the incidence, causes, and risk factors for preventable readmission in this population.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of patients with cirrhosis hospitalized at a single center between June 2014 and March 2020 and followed up for 30 days postdischarge. Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data, functional status, and quality of life were collected. Readmission preventability was independently and systematically adjudicated by 3 reviewers. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare those with (i) preventable readmission, (ii) nonpreventable readmission/death, and (iii) no readmission.

RESULTS

Of 654 patients, 246 (38%) were readmitted, and 29 (12%) were preventable readmissions. Reviewers agreed on preventability for 70% of readmissions. Twenty-two (including 2 with preventable readmission) died. The most common reasons for readmission were hepatic encephalopathy (22%), gastrointestinal bleeding (13%), acute kidney injury (13%), and ascites (6%), and these reasons were similar between preventable and nonpreventable readmissions. Preventable readmission was often related to paracentesis timeliness, diuretic adjustment monitoring, and hepatic encephalopathy treatment. Compared with nonreadmitted patients, preventable readmission was independently associated with racial and ethnic minoritized individuals (odds ratio [OR] 5.80; 95% CI, 1.96-17.13), nonmarried marital status (OR 2.88; 95% CI, 1.18-7.05), and admission in the prior 30 days (OR 3.45; 95% CI, 1.48-8.04).

DISCUSSION

For patients with cirrhosis, readmission is common, but most are not preventable. Preventable readmissions are often related to ascites and hepatic encephalopathy and are associated with racial and ethnic minorities, nonmarried status, and prior admissions.

Liver Disease Undernutrition Screening Tool Questionnaire Predicts Decompensation and Mortality in Cirrhotic Outpatients with Portal Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Numerous scores are designed to predict outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the ability of the Liver Disease Undernutrition Screening Tool (LDUST) in predicting mortality and decompensation in outpatients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). We hypothesized that LDUST could help identify patients in need of nutritional supplementation and intervention.

METHODS

A prospective study of 57 CSPH patients (36.8% female, mean age: 63.5 ± 9.9 years) with a median follow-up of 41 months was conducted. Baseline liver function, nutrition, and sarcopenia were assessed, alongside LDUST. During follow-up, the occurrence of liver decompensation, hospital admission, need for emergency care, and mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 56.1% of patients were Child A, and the most frequent etiology was alcohol (50.9%). Malnutrition risk according to LDUST raised mortality (HR: 25.96 (1.47-456.78)), decompensation (HR 9.78 (2.08-45.89)), and admission (HR 4.86 (1.09-21.61)) risks in multivariate Cox analysis. Combining LDUST with Child and MELD scores improved their decompensation prediction (0.936 vs. 0.811 and 0.866 vs. 0.700).

CONCLUSIONS

The LDUST has a solid ability to predict complications in cirrhosis outpatients with CSPH, and its integration with Child and MELD models enhances their predictive power. LDUST implementation could identify individuals necessitating early nutritional support.

Measuring Medication Use, Obstacles, and Knowledge in Individuals With Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although patient knowledge is modifiable, there are no widely accepted tools to measure patient understanding during cirrhosis care. We aimed to develop and validate "My Cirrhosis Coach" (MCC), a personalized, self-administered questionnaire to evaluate cirrhosis-related medication use, obstacles, and understanding.

METHODS

Adults with cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled at 3 tertiary centers from July 2016 through July 2020. Psychometrics including confirmatory factor analysis was used to develop and validate a final questionnaire. Content validity was measured via the content validity index and expert performance. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing scores between groups hypothesized to have varying performance.

RESULTS

The MCC was tested in a diverse cohort (n = 713) with cirrhosis and its complications including ascites (45%) and hepatic encephalopathy (33%) with median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium 10 (interquartile range, 9-15). A 6-factor model of the MCC fit the data well (root mean square error of approximation, 0.22; comparative fit index, 0.96; standardized root mean squared residual, 0.104; final domains: Medication Use & Accessibility, Medication Obstacles, Lactulose Use, Diuretic Use, Beta Blocker Use, and Dietary Sodium Use). The MCC had excellent content validity (content validity index, 81%-94%) and accuracy (91%-100%) ratings by experts. Mean domain scores ranged from 1.1 to 2.6 (range, 0-3; 3 indicating better performance). Those with a cirrhosis complication scored higher in the relevant medication domain (ie, diuretic use score in ascites). Compared with outpatients, inpatients scored higher in all knowledge domains except salt use and reported more medication obstacles. Scores differed by income, education level, and having an adult at home.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, diverse cohort, we validated the MCC, which can serve to standardize medication use and knowledge measurement in clinical practice and education-based studies in cirrhosis.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts 30-, 90-, and 180-day readmissions of patients with hepatic encephalopathy

Introduction

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a significant complication of cirrhosis, known to be associated with hospital readmission. However, few new serological indicators associated with readmission in HE patients have been identified and reported. The objective of our study was to identify simple and effective predictors reated to readmission in HE patients.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective study at a single center on adult patients admitted with HE from January 2018 to December 2022. The primary endpoint was the first liver-related readmission within 30, 90, and 180 days, and we collected electronic medical records from our hospital for sociodemographic, clinical, and hospitalization characteristics. We utilized logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the predictors that were associated with the readmission rate and the length of the first hospitalization.

Results

A total of 424 patients were included in the study, among whom 24 (5.7%), 63 (14.8%), and 92 (21.7%) were readmitted within 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that insurance status, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), ascites, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly associated with 30-, 90-, and 180-day readmissions. Age and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were predictors of 90- and 180-day readmissions. ALD was identified as a unique predictor of readmission in men, while hypertension was a predictor of 180-day readmission in women. Variceal bleeding, chronic kidney disease, and MELD score were associated with the length of the first hospitalization.

Conclusions

NLR at discharge was identified as a significant predictor of 30-, 90- and 180-day readmissions in patients with HE. Our findings suggest that incorporating NLR into routine clinical assessments could improve the evaluation of the prognosis of liver cirrhosis.

Confusion assessment method accurately screens for hepatic encephalopathy and predicts short-term mortality in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a subtype of delirium, is common in cirrhosis and associated with poor outcomes. Yet, objective bedside screening tools for HE are lacking. We examined the relationship between an established screening tool for delirium, Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and short-term outcomes while comparing its performance with previously established measures of cognitive function such as West Haven criteria (WHC). Prospectively enrolled adults with cirrhosis who completed the CAM-ICU from 6/2014-6/2018 were followed for 90 days. Blinded provider-assigned West Haven Criteria (WHC) and other measures of cognitive function were collected. Logistic regression was used to test associations between CAM-ICU status and outcomes. Mortality prediction by CAM-ICU status was assessed using Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curves (AUROC). Of 469 participants, 11% were CAM-ICU( +), 55% were male and 94% were White. Most patients were Childs-Pugh class C (59%). CAM-ICU had excellent agreement with WHC (Kappa = 0.79). CAM-ICU( +) participants had similar demographic features to those CAM-ICU(-), but had higher MELD (25 vs. 19, p < 0.0001), were more often admitted to the ICU (28% vs. 7%, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to be admitted for HE and infection. CAM-ICU( +) participants had higher mortality (inpatient:37% vs. 3%, 30-day:51% vs. 11%, 90-day:63% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). CAM-ICU status predicted mortality with AUROC of 0.85, 0.82 and 0.77 for inpatient, 30-day and 90-day mortality, respectively. CAM-ICU easily screens for delirium/HE, has excellent agreement with WHC, and identifies a hospitalized cirrhosis cohort with high short-term mortality.

Standardized Criteria Increases Palliative Care Consultation Utilization in Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease: A Pilot Study

Context: Patients with end-stage liver disease have high symptom burden and high healthcare utilization, which may be improved by palliative care consultation. Objectives: We sought to determine if implementing standardized palliative care consultation criteria in hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease would increase palliative care utilization and improve patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease. Patients under the age of 18, received a previous liver transplant, or admitted for liver transplantation were not included. Patients with end-stage liver disease meeting two or more of the following criteria were included: (i)Child Pugh C cirrhosis, (ii)2 or more liver related hospitalizations within 6 months, (iii) current alcohol use with alcoholic cirrhosis, and (iv) unsuitable for transplantation work up. We compared consults before and after implementation of the criteria, and we compared outcomes in patients who did and did not see palliative care. Results: With implementation, consults increased (2/25 (8%) vs 11/33 (33%), p = .020). Palliative care was associated with higher completion of health care representative documentation (66.7% vs 35.7%, P = .20) and physician orders for scope of treatment forms (16.7% vs 0%, P = 0.13). Patients seen by palliative care had a higher rate of discharges with hospice (30.8% vs 0, P = .002). Conclusions: Implementation of standardized palliative care consultation criteria for patients with end-stage liver disease increased palliative care utilization. Patients seen by palliative care had increased discharges with hospice services and a trend towards higher completion rates of advanced directives.

Palliative Care, Patient-Reported Measures, and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis

CONTEXT

Studies of palliative care (PC) in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis have been retrospective, with limited evaluation of patient-reported measures and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between PC, patient-reported measures (quality of life and functional status), and outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of patients with cirrhosis hospitalized from 2014 to 2019. We recorded PC consultation details, quality of life (chronic liver disease questionnaire), and functional status (functional status questionnaire). Patients were followed for 90 days to assess readmissions, costs, and mortality.

RESULTS

Seventy-four of 679 patients saw PC, often later in the hospitalization (median hospital day 8; IQR 4-16). Those who saw PC had greater Charlson comorbidity index (mean 6.8 vs. 5.9), MELD (mean 25 vs. 20), and prior 30-day admission (47% vs. 35%). Compared to those who did not see PC, PC patients had greater impairments in intermediate activities of daily living (83% vs. 72%), social activity (72% vs. 59%), quality of interactions (49% vs. 36%), abdominal symptoms (mean score 3.1 vs. 3.6), activity (mean 3.3 vs. 3.6), and overall quality of life (mean 3.6 vs. 3.8). PC was associated with fewer transfusions and upper endoscopies and with greater completion of advanced directives. After multivariable adjustment, PC was not associated with intensive care, 30-day readmissions, 90-day costs, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

PC occurs infrequently and late in those with more severe liver disease and functional impairment. PC may be associated with reduction in utilization and greater completion of advanced directives. Randomized trials are needed to evaluate PC for this population.