Nurse-led clinic for patients with liver cirrhosis-effects on health-related quality of life: study protocol of a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial

Construction and Application of Patient-Participated Health Care Guidance Plan for Patients with Decompensated Hepatitis B Cirrhosis

Objective

The goal of this study was to develop and assess the effectiveness of a patient-engaged healthcare guidance plan for individuals with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Methods

This study employed literature review, situational analysis, and expert consultations to create a healthcare guidance plan that includes patient participation for those suffering from decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Between January 2022 and January 2023, 86 patients with this condition admitted to our hospital were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into two groups using a random number table. The control group (n=43) received standard care, while the intervention group (n=43) received the novel patient-engaged healthcare guidance in addition to standard care. We compared both groups in terms of anxiety and depression levels, self-care capability, uncertainty about their illness, and overall quality of life.

Results

Upon discharge, scores for the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS) decreased in both groups compared to their scores at admission (P<0.05), with the intervention group showing more significant improvements than the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, scores for the Self-Care Ability Scale (ESCA) and the component threshold scores of the Health Survey Short Form (SF-36) increased for both groups from admission to discharge (P<0.05), with the intervention group showing greater improvements than the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The patient-engaged healthcare guidance plan developed for individuals with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis proved to be highly effective. It significantly reduced patient anxiety and depression, enhanced self-care capabilities, diminished illness uncertainty, and improved overall quality of life.

A randomized controlled trial of a postdischarge nursing intervention for patients with decompensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Few randomized trials have evaluated the effect of postdischarge interventions for patients with liver cirrhosis. This study assessed the effects of a postdischarge intervention on readmissions and mortality in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial at a specialized liver unit. Adult patients admitted with complications of liver cirrhosis were eligible for inclusion. Participants were allocated 1:1 to standard follow-up or a family-focused nurse-led postdischarge intervention between December 1, 2019, and October 31, 2021. The 6-month intervention consisted of a patient pamphlet, 3 home visits, and 3 follow-up telephone calls by a specialized liver nurse. The primary outcome was the number of readmissions due to liver cirrhosis.

RESULTS

Of the 110 included participants, 93% had alcohol as a primary etiology. We found no significant differences in effects in the primary outcomes such as time to first readmission, number of patients readmitted, and duration of readmissions or in the secondary outcomes like health-related quality of life and 6- and 12-month mortality. A post hoc exploratory analysis showed a significant reduction in nonattendance rates in the intervention group (RR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.54, p=0.0004) and significantly fewer participants continuing to consume alcohol in the intervention group (p=0.003). After 12 months, the total number of readmissions (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.96, p=0.02) and liver-related readmissions (RR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.82, p=0.003) were reduced in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

A family-focused postdischarge nursing intervention had no significant effects on any of the primary or secondary outcomes. In a post hoc exploratory analysis, we found reduced 6-month nonattendance and alcohol consumption rates, as well as reduced 12-month readmission rates in the intervention group.

Patient perceived quality of cirrhosis care- adjunctive nurse-based care versus standard medical care: a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis treatment implies prevention and alleviation of serious disease events. Healthcare providers may, however, fail to meet patients' expectations of collaboration and specific needs of information and support. Individualised nursing care could meet patients' needs. The aim was thus to measure patient-perceived quality of care after adjunctive registered nurse-based intervention Quality Liver Nursing Care Model (QLiNCaM) compared with standard medical care.

METHODS

This pragmatic multicentre study consecutively randomised patients to either adjunctive registered nurse-based care, or standard medical care for 24 months (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02957253). Patients were allocated to either group at an equal ratio, at six Swedish outpatient clinics during 2016-2022. Using the questionnaire 'Quality of care from the patient's perspective', patients rated their perceived lack of quality for the adjunctive registered nurse-based intervention compared with the control group at 12 and 24 months, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 167 patients were recruited. Seven out of 22 items in the questionnaire supported the finding that 'lacking quality' decreased with adjunctive registered nurse-based care (p < 0.05) at 12 months follow-up; however, these differences could not be established at 24 months.

CONCLUSION

Additional structured registered nurse-based visits in the cirrhosis outpatient team provided support for improved patient-perceived quality of care during the first 12 months. Registered nurses increase patient involvement and present easy access to cirrhosis outpatient care. Patients express appreciation for personalised information. This study reinforces registered nurses' role in the outpatient cirrhosis team, optimising patient care in compensated and decompensated cirrhosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at Clinical Trials 18th of October 2016, [ https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov ], registration number: NCT02957253.

The development of practice standards for patient education in nurse-led clinics: a mixed-method study

INTRODUCTION

Educating patients and families about self-care is one of the important roles of nurses in Nurse-led clinics (NLCs). NLCs need standards for guiding the practice of nurses. A standard is an authoritative statement that sets out the legal and professional basis of nursing practice. This paper seeks to report the development of practice standards for patient and family education in NLCs.

METHODS

This project used a Sequential-Exploratory mixed methods design. Before the study, we conducted a literature review to identify gaps. Directed content analysis was used in phase 1. The second phase involved two focus groups. The third phase involves two rounds of modified Delphi.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine participants were interviewed, and 1816 preliminary codes were formed in phase 1. 95 standards were grouped into three main categories (structure, process, and outcome). In the first focus group, experts eliminate 32 standards. Experts eliminate 8 standards after the second stage of the focus group. After two rounds of Delphi, the final version of the standard consists of 46 standards (13 structure, 28 process and 5 outcome).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses and institutions could benefit from practice standards for patient education in the NLCs, which consist of 46 statements in three domains, as a guide for clinical activities and a tool to gauge the quality of patient education in NLCs. The developed standards in this study can guide new and existing NLCs and help them evaluate ongoing activities. Providing patient education in NLCs based on standards can improve patients' outcomes and promote their health.

Nurse-assisted and multidisciplinary outpatient follow-up among patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Liver cirrhosis represents a considerable health burden and causes 1.2 million deaths annually. Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis have a poor prognosis and severely reduced health-related quality of life. Nurse-led outpatient care has proven safe and feasible for several chronic diseases and engaging nurses in the outpatient care of patients with liver cirrhosis has been recommended. At the decompensated stage, the treatment and nursing care are directed at specific complications, educational support, and guidance concerning preventive measures and signs of decompensation. This review aimed to assess the effects of nurse-assisted follow-up after admission with decompensation in patients with liver cirrhosis from all causes.

METHOD

A systematic search was conducted through February 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if i) they assessed adult patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis that had been admitted with one or more complications to liver cirrhosis and ii) if nurse-assisted follow-up, including nurse-assisted multidisciplinary interventions, was described in the manuscript. Randomized clinical trials were prioritized, but controlled trials and prospective cohort studies with the intervention were also included. Primary outcomes were mortality and readmission, but secondary subjective outcomes were also assessed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We included eleven controlled studies and five prospective studies with a historical control group comprising 1224 participants. Overall, the studies were of moderate to low quality, and heterogeneity across studies was substantial. In a descriptive summary, the 16 studies were divided into three main types of interventions: educational interventions, case management, and standardized hospital follow-up. We saw a significant improvement across all types of studies on several parameters, but currently, no data support a specific type of nurse-assisted, post-discharge intervention. Controlled trials with a predefined intervention evaluating clinically- and practice-relevant endpoints in a real-life, patient-oriented setting are highly warranted.

Effect of a nursing intervention strategy oriented by Orem's self-care theory on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients after colon cancer surgery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of nursing intervention strategies based on the Orem self-care theory on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients after colon cancer surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective study, a total of 115 patients with colon cancer who had radical resection of the colon cancer tissue were selected as the research subjects and randomized into two groups: an Orem group (59 cases), which was given nursing based on the Orem self-care model and a control group (56 cases), which was given regular nursing. The postoperative recovery of the two groups was compared.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the time to first getting out of bed, gastric tube removal, first postoperative flatus, first fluid food intake and general food intake were significantly earlier than those of the control group. Time of intestinal peristalsis and the average length of hospital stay of the Orem group were much shorter than those of the control group (all P<0.001). The cost of nutrient supply of the Orem group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.001), and the postoperative pain and incidence of complications of patients in the Orem group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After 3 months of follow-up, the scores of positive attitude, intimacy and total score of hope in the hope level of the patients in the Orem group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the positive action scores (P>0.05). Besides, the scores of the Orem group in all dimensions of the quality of life were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Nursing intervention based on the Orem self-care theory can promote the recovery of patients with colon cancer after surgery, speed up the recovery of their gastrointestinal function, and ultimately improve their level of hope and quality of life. Therefore, it is worthy of promotion in clinical practice.

The Correlation and Influencing Factors of Crisis Response Ability and Psychological Factors in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Background:

Illness can provoke a crisis response that affects condition acceptance, treatment and recovery. Patients’ sense of coherence can influence this explored across patient cohorts internationally. However, few studies examine these effects in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. This study investigated sense of coherence and social support of patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

Methods:

The psychological status of 146 patients admitted to the Digestive System Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China from Mar 2016 to Mar 2019 with hepatic cirrhosis was assessed using the Sense of Coherence (SOC-13), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and crisis assessment scales.

Results:

There was a low level of crisis response in patients with hepatic cirrhosis that was influenced by age, disease course, education level and Child-Pugh grade and negatively correlated with sense of coherence and social support.

Conclusion:

Liver cirrhosis patients had a low level of crisis response. As the level of crisis response in is correlated with patients' sense of coherence, social support and educational level, careful assessment, tailored educational interventions and mobilizing of family support are important to maximize responses to illness and thus improve quality of life.

Low Health Literacy Is Associated With Frailty and Reduced Likelihood of Liver Transplant Listing: A Prospective Cohort Study

The effect of low health literacy (HL) on outcomes in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) is largely unknown. The association of low HL on clinical outcomes was investigated in a prospective cohort of outpatients with ESLD undergoing liver transplantation (LT) evaluation. From 2014 to 2017, 276 patients underwent LT evaluation with assessments of liver disease severity, medical and psychosocial comorbidities, physical frailty, and malnutrition. Literacy was measured with the Newest Vital Sign, a brief validated assessment. Multivariate models assessed relationships between HL and clinical outcomes adjusting for clinical and psychosocial variables. The median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-sodium score of the study sample was 15 (interquartile range, 11-19), 71 (25.7%) of candidates were frail, 117 (42.4%) had malnutrition, 151 (54.7%) had hepatic encephalopathy, 104 (37.7%) had low HL, and 85 (39.2%) had marginal or poor social support. Adjusting for education level, socioeconomic factors, and severity of illness, low HL was independently associated with physical frailty (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-8.59; P = 0.004) and not being wait-listed (aOR 1.96; 95% CI, 1.03-3.75; P = 0.04). Strong social support attenuated the relationship between low HL and not being wait-listed (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.74-3.36; P = 0.24). Low HL is common and a largely unrecognized risk factor for poor health outcomes among patients with ESLD. Patient-oriented infrastructure and support are needed at the health system level to ensure all patients can successfully navigate the complex process of LT evaluation and wait-listing.

Liver cirrhosis turns life into an unpredictable roller coaster: A qualitative interview study

Aim

To explore how persons living with liver cirrhosis experience day‐to‐day life.

Background

Liver cirrhosis is the sixth most common cause of death among adults in Western countries. Persons with advanced liver cirrhosis report poor quality of life, in comparison with other chronic diseases. However, knowledge regarding day‐to‐day life during earlier stages of the disease is lacking. In other chronic diseases, the suffering process is well explored, while in liver cirrhosis, suffering is insufficiently investigated.

Design

An exploratory study, with a qualitative inductive interview approach.

Methods

A purposive maximum variation sample of 20 informants with liver cirrhosis aged 25–71, from two gastroenterology outpatient clinics in mid‐Sweden, were interviewed from September 2016 to October 2017. Interview data were analysed inductively with qualitative content analysis. Reporting followed the COREQ guidelines.

Results

The experiences of day‐to‐day life living with liver cirrhosis comprised four sub‐themes. Living with liver cirrhosis implied varying levels of deterioration, the most apparent being exhaustion or tiredness. The informants had to find ways of adapting to a new life situation. The insecurity of future health evoked existential reflections such as feeling emotionally and existentially distressed. Shame and guilt were reasons for feeling stigmatised. These sub‐themes emerged into one overarching theme of meaning: life turns into an unpredictable roller coaster. This is based on experiences of liver cirrhosis as an unpredictable disease with fluctuating symptoms, worries and disease progression.

Conclusion

Living with cirrhosis implies an unpredictable condition with a progressive, stigmatising disease. The fluctuating symptoms and deep concerns about future life pose an increased personal suffering.

Relevance to clinical practice

Within health care, knowledge of the person's experience is vital to enable and fulfil the person's healthcare needs. Clinical registered nurses need a person‐centred approach to strengthen their patients to cope with their new life situation.