Interprofessional Study Highlights Gaps in Palliative Care Integration for End-Stage Liver Disease
A study in the Journal of Palliative Medicine examines how clinicians across transplant hepatology, surgery, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and palliative care view the role of palliative care in end-stage liver disease (ESLD). While most respondents support palliative care for transplant-ineligible patients, the research reveals significant variation in timing, role clarity, and confidence in symptom management across specialties. Differences in training, terminology, and ownership of care contribute to delayed and inconsistent integration. The findings point to the need for clearer role delineation, targeted education, and structured co-management models to improve timely, equitable, patient-centered care for patients with ESLD.