TBA (24S165)

Introduction of Liver Support Clinic and Effect on Readmission Rate for Patients with Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease: An Audit at a Teaching Hospital

Author(s)

M. Kapotolo, A. Al- Aloosi, F. Toor, O. Crosbie, C. Kiat

Department(s)/Institutions

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork

Introduction

Patients discharged from hospital with decompensated chronic liver disease (CLD) are at increased risk of being readmitted within 30 days. These readmissions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and impose a significant burden on healthcare system. Close follow-up in the outpatient setting following discharge from hospital has been shown to reduce the readmission rates in this cohort of patients, but oversubscribed outpatient services present an obstacle to achieve this target. The aim was to assess the feasibility of the Liver Support Clinic (LSC) in addition to our routine OPD clinics where, it can be challenging to accommodate extra patients.

Aims/Background

To compare outcomes including re-admission rate in this patient group versus patients followed up in routine clinic.

Method

Retrospective data collection of patients admitted with decompensated CLD from January to March 2023 and following formalized establishment of LSC, data from October to December 2023.

Results

From October to December of 2023, there were 60 patients admitted with decompensated CLD and 49 in January to March of 2023. 11 patients from October December and 6 from January to March were reviewed within 4 weeks of discharge. Patients who received LSC follow up had a 30 day re-admission rate of 9 % compared to 28 % in patients with routine follow up. The average length of stay was 6 days for those who attended LSC versus 12 days for those with routine follow up. We continue to gather data in this patient group which will be prepared for presentation.

Conclusions

LSC follow-up post discharge reduces the 30-day readmission rates for patients with decompensated CLD, and allows for shortened length of stay for patients. These highlight its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and resource utilization.