Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease responsible for an estimated 31,903 deaths annually. On average, the life expectancy post-diagnosis is roughly ten years, during which patients’ typically experience multiple, costly hospitalizations, each of which may cost more than $20,000. CMCD researchers collaborated with the leadership of U-M’s Cirrhosis Program to develop and pilot an automated telephone monitoring and behavior-change support program for patients hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis.
The project was led by CMCD-affiliate, Michael Volk, MD. One hundred patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled and followed for up to 2.5 years. Participants were seriously ill: 25% died and 62% were hospitalized at least once. Despite their complexity, 70% completed >80% of their automated self-management support calls. The information patients reported during those assessments was a strong predictor of their risk for hospitalization, potentially identifying patients who could receive more intensive services to improve their outcomes.
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For more information, contact Natalie Fisher at brownnat@med.umich.edu.
Categories:
Cirrhosis, Mobile Health, U-M Health System
