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Hundt M, Chen A, Donovan J, Kim N, Yilma M, Tana M, Mehta N, Zhou K. Barriers to liver transplant referral in safety net settings: A national provider survey. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:896-906. [PMID: 38687168 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Safety net systems care for patients with a high burden of liver disease yet experience many barriers to liver transplant (LT) referral. This study aimed to assess safety net providers' perspectives on barriers to LT referrals in the United States. We conducted a nationwide anonymous online survey of self-identified safety net gastroenterologists and hepatologists from March through November 2022. This 27-item survey was disseminated via e-mail, society platforms, and social media. Survey sections included practice characteristics, transplant referral practices, perceived multilevel barriers to referral, potential solutions, and respondent characteristics. Fifty complete surveys were included in analysis. A total of 60.0% of respondents self-identified as White and 54.0% male. A total of 90.0% practiced in an urban setting, 82.0% in tertiary medical centers, and 16.0% in community settings, with all 4 US regions represented. Perceived patient-level barriers ranked as most significant, followed by practice-level, then provider-level barriers. Patient-level barriers such as lack of insurance (72.0%), finances (66.0%), social support (66.0%), and stable housing/transportation (64.0%) were ranked as significant barriers to referral, while medical mistrust and lack of interest were not. Limited access to financial services (36.0%) and addiction/mental health resources (34.0%) were considered important practice-level barriers. Few reported existing access to patient navigators (12.0%), and patient navigation was ranked as most likely to improve referral practices, followed by an expedited/expanded pathway for insurance coverage for LT. In this national survey, safety net providers reported the highest barriers to LT referral at the patient level and practice level. These data can inform the development of multilevel interventions in safety net settings to enhance equity in LT access for vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hundt
- Department of Medicine, Los Angeles General Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ariana Chen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John Donovan
- Department of Medicine, Los Angeles General Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nicole Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mignote Yilma
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michele Tana
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital & Trauma Center, San Francisco, California, USA
- University of California San Francisco Liver Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kali Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Los Angeles General Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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2
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Sharma P, Shenoy A, Shroff H, Kwong A, Lim N, Pillai A, Devuni D, Haque LY, Balliet W, Serper M. Management of alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol use disorder in liver transplant candidates and recipients: Challenges and opportunities. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:848-861. [PMID: 38471008 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease poses a significant global health burden, with rising alcohol consumption and prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. This review examines the challenges and opportunities in the care of candidates and recipients of liver transplant (LT) with AUD. Despite advancements in posttransplant patient survival, the risk of disease recurrence and alcohol relapse remains substantial. Several challenges have been identified, including (1) rising disease burden of alcohol-associated liver disease, variable transplant practices, and systemic barriers; (2) disparities in mental health therapy access and the impact on transplant; (3) variable definitions, underdiagnosis, and stigma affecting access to care; and (4) post-LT relapse, its risk factors, and consequential harm. The review focuses on the opportunities to improve AUD care for candidates and recipients of LT through effective biochemical monitoring, behavioral and pharmacologic approaches, creating Centers of Excellence for post-LT AUD care, advocating for policy reforms, and ensuring insurance coverage for necessary services as essential steps toward improving patient outcomes. The review also highlights unmet needs, such as the scarcity of addiction specialists, and calls for further research on personalized behavioral treatments, digital health, and value-based care models to optimize AUD care in the LT setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Akhil Shenoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hersh Shroff
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allison Kwong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lamia Y Haque
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wendy Balliet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Germani G, Ferrarese A, D'Arcangelo F, Russo FP, Senzolo M, Gambato M, Zanetto A, Cillo U, Feltracco P, Persona P, Serra E, Feltrin G, Carretta G, Capizzi A, Donato D, Tessarin M, Burra P. The role of an integrated referral program for patients with liver disease: A network between hub and spoke centers. United European Gastroenterol J 2024; 12:76-88. [PMID: 38087960 PMCID: PMC10859718 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to Liver transplantation (LT) can be affected by several barriers, resulting in delayed referral and increased risk of mortality due to complications of the underlying liver disease. AIM To assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute or chronic liver disease referred using an integrated referral program. MATERIALS AND METHODS An integrated referral program was developed in 1 October 2017 based on email addresses and a 24/7 telephone availability. All consecutive adult patients with liver disease referred for the first time using this referral program were prospectively collected until 1 October 2021. Characteristics and outcomes of inpatients were compared with a historical cohort of patients referred without using the integrated referral program (1 October 2015-1 October 2017). Patients were further divided according to pre- and post-Covid-19 pandemic. RESULTS Two hundred eighty-one referred patients were considered. End stage liver disease was the most common underlying condition (79.3%), 50.5% of patients were referred as inpatients and 74.7% were referred for LT evaluation. When inpatient referrals (n = 142) were compared with the historical cohort (n = 86), a significant increase in acute liver injury due to drugs/herbals and supplements was seen (p = 0.01) as well as an increase in End stage liver disease due to alcohol-related liver disease and NASH, although not statistically significant. A significant increase in referrals for evaluation for Trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement was seen over time (5.6% vs. 1%; p = 0.01) as well as for LT evaluation (84.5% vs. 81%; p = 0.01). Transplant-free survival was similar between the study and control groups (p = 0.3). The Covid-19 pandemic did not affect trends of referrals and patient survival. CONCLUSIONS The development of an integrated referral program for patients with liver disease can represent the first step to standardize already existing referral networks between hub and spoke centers. Future studies should focus on the timing of referral according to different etiologies to optimize treatment options and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Germani
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferrarese
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Arcangelo
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Gambato
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanetto
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Feltracco
- Intensive Care Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Persona
- Intensive Care Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Eugenio Serra
- Intensive Care Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | - Alfio Capizzi
- Medical Direction, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Donato
- Medical Direction, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
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Cooper KM, Colletta A, Hathaway NJ, Liu D, Gonzalez D, Talat A, Barry C, Krishnarao A, Mehta S, Movahedi B, Martins PN, Devuni D. Delayed referral for liver transplant evaluation worsens outcomes in chronic liver disease patients requiring inpatient transplant evaluation. World J Transplant 2023; 13:169-182. [PMID: 37388395 PMCID: PMC10303412 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v13.i4.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indications to refer patients with cirrhosis for liver transplant evaluation (LTE) include hepatic decompensation or a model for end stage liver disease (MELD-Na) score ≥ 15. Few studies have evaluated how delaying referral beyond these criteria affects patient outcomes.
AIM To evaluate clinical characteristics of patients undergoing inpatient LTE and to assess the effects of delayed LTE on patient outcomes (death, transplantation).
METHODS This is a single center retrospective cohort study assessing all patients undergoing inpatient LTE (n = 159) at a large quaternary care and liver transplant center between 10/23/2017-7/31/2021. Delayed referral was defined as having prior indication (decompensation, MELD-Na ≥ 15) for LTE without referral. Early referral was defined as referrals made within 3 mo of having an indication based on practice guidelines. Logistic regression and Cox Hazard Regression were used to evaluate the relationship between delayed referral and patient outcomes.
RESULTS Many patients who require expedited inpatient LTE had delayed referrals. Misconceptions regarding transplant candidacy were a leading cause of delayed referral. Ultimately, delayed referrals negatively affected overall patient outcome and an independent predictor of both death and not receiving a transplant. Delayed referral was associated with a 2.5 hazard risk of death.
CONCLUSION Beyond initial access to an liver transplant (LT) center, delaying LTE increases risk of death and reduces risk of LT in patients with chronic liver disease. There is substantial opportunity to increase the percentage of patients undergoing LTE when first clinically indicated. It is crucial for providers to remain informed about the latest guidelines on liver transplant candidacy and the transplant referral process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Cooper
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Alessandro Colletta
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Nicholas J Hathaway
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Diana Liu
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Daniella Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Arslan Talat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Curtis Barry
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Anita Krishnarao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Savant Mehta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Babak Movahedi
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Deepika Devuni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
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Payani E, Börner N, Kolliogiannis D, Brunner S, Klein I, Ehmer U, Denk G, Lange CM, Ograja K, Dietrich P, Werner J, Guba M. Regional transplant rates depend more on physician-dependent variables than on proximity to transplant center. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2023; 408:191. [PMID: 37171640 PMCID: PMC10181954 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-02874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this work was to uncover inequalities in access to liver transplantation in Bavaria, Germany. METHODS For this purpose, the annual transplantation rate per 1 million inhabitants for the respective districts was determined from the aggregated postal codes of the place of residence of transplanted patients. The variables examined were proximity and travel time to the nearest transplant center, as well as the care category of the regional hospital. In addition, we assessed whether the head of gastroenterology at the regional hospital through which liver transplant candidates are referred was trained at a liver transplant center. RESULTS We could not demonstrate a direct relationship between proximity or travel time to the nearest transplant center and access to liver transplantation. Multivariate regression analysis shows that liver transplant training (p < 0.0001) of the chief physician (gastroenterologist) of the regional hospital was the most decisive independent factor for access to liver transplantation within a district. CONCLUSION We show that the transplant training experience of the head of gastroenterology at a regional hospital is an independent factor for the regional transplantation rate. Therefore, it appears important to maintain some liver transplant expertise outside the transplant centers in order to properly identify and assign potential transplant candidates for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Payani
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, LMU Klinikum Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Börner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, LMU Klinikum Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Dionysios Kolliogiannis
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, LMU Klinikum Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Brunner
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Klein
- Department of Surgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Ehmer
- Internal Medicine II, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Peter Dietrich
- Transplant Center Erlangen-Nürnberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, LMU Klinikum Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Guba
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, LMU Klinikum Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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McClinton A, Gullo J, Martins PN, Serrano OK. Access to liver transplantation for minority populations in the United States. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2021; 26:508-512. [PMID: 34354000 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Racial disparities in access to liver transplantation have been known since the National Transplant Act of 1980. Since the inception of the Final Rule in 2000, the United Network of Organ Sharing has sought to ensure the equitable distribution of donor livers. Despite several measures aimed to improve access for vulnerable populations, disparities in outcomes are still prevalent throughout the liver transplant (LT) evaluation, while on the waitlist, and after liver transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented on the LT list and have an increased waitlist mortality rate compared to Whites. Additionally, Blacks have a significantly higher risk of posttransplant mortality. SUMMARY Ongoing efforts are necessary to eliminate inequities in transplant access. Strategies such as policy implementation and increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce may prove efficacious in creating change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joy Gullo
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Oscar K Serrano
- Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
- Hartford Hospital Transplant & Comprehensive Liver Center, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
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