Cirrhosis with decompensation has a poor prognosis, high symptom burden and causes carer stress. This pilot research in one tertiary hospital found that patients with cirrhosis with decompensation were infrequently referred to specialist palliative care. Despite this, they had a heavy symptom burden, high predicted mortality, frequent unplanned readmissions, long admissions and intensive care unit admissions. Few had adequate advance care planning.
Keywords: advance planning; cirrhosis with decompensation; palliative care.
© 2019 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.