Distinct Longitudinal Trajectories of Symptom Burden Predict Clinical Outcomes in End-Stage Liver Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Little has been reported about the clinical relevance and trajectories of symptoms in end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The purpose of this prospective study was to identify trajectories of change in symptom burden over the course of 12 months in adults with ESLD. METHODS: Patients were recruited from hepatology clinics at 2 healthcare systems. Validated measures were used to assess physical and psychological symptoms. Latent growth mixture modeling and survival and growth modeling were used to analyze the survey data. RESULTS: Data were available for 192 patients (mean age 56.5 ± 11.1 years, 64.1% male, mean Model for ESLD (MELD) 3.0 19.2 ± 5.1, ethyl alcohol as primary etiology 33.9%, ascites 88.5%, encephalopathy 70.8%); there were 38 deaths and 39 liver transplantations over 12 months. Two symptom trajectories were identified: 62 patients (32.3%) had high and unmitigated symptoms, and 130 (67.7%) had lower and improving symptoms. Patients with high and unmitigated symptoms had twice the hazard of all-cause mortality (subhazard ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-4.83) and had worse physical ( P < 0.001) and mental quality of life ( P = 0.012) compared with patients with lower and improving symptoms. Symptom trajectories were not associated with MELD 3.0 scores ( P = 0.395). Female sex, social support, and level of religiosity were significant predictors of symptom trajectories ( P < 0.05 for all). DISCUSSION: There seems to be 2 distinct phenotypes of symptom experience in patients with ESLD that is independent of disease severity and associated with sex, social support, religiosity, and mortality. Identifying patients with high symptom burden can help optimize their care.

Role of Uncertainty in Illness and Coping Strategies in Advance Directive Completion in Patients With End-stage Liver Disease.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the associations among advance directives (ADs) completion, coping, uncertainty in illness, and optimism and pessimism in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). BACKGROUND: Although associations among ADs, coping, and uncertainty have been studied in patients with other life-limiting illnesses, these concepts have not been studied together in patients with ESLD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited at 2 health care institutions as part of a larger prospective study. They were enrolled if they had a diagnosis of nonhepatocellular carcinoma ESLD, Sodium Model for End-Stage Liver Disease ≥15, and no prior history of liver transplantation. Uncertainty, coping, optimism, and pessimism were assessed using the Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults, Revised Ways of Coping Checklist, and Life Orientation Test-revised. AD documentation at the time of study enrollment was retrospectively extracted from patient medical records. RESULTS: In the sample [N = 181; median age = 57 y, 115 (64%) males], male sex [odds ratio (OR) = 4.66; 95% CI: 1.53, 14.17], being listed or under evaluation for liver transplantation (OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.10, 8.67), greater Sodium Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.20), and greater uncertainty (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.07) were positively associated with AD documentation. Higher coping avoidance was negatively associated with AD documentation (OR = 0.915; 95% CI: 0.840, 0.997). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider the role of uncertainty and coping measures to improve patient-specific advance care planning conversations and expand opportunities for all patients with ESLD to file an AD, especially women and patients not listed or under evaluation for transplantation.

Informal Family Care Partner Well-Being Is Diminished in End-Stage Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease is a significant global neglected public health problem. End-stage liver disease is associated with substantial symptom complexity, disability, and care needs that require assistance from informal family care partners. Research on these care partners' caregiver burden or strain, symptoms, and quality of life is sparse and has not focused on these variables as co-occurring or in the context of the quality of the relationship care partners have with the patients. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to provide a collective presentation of patterns and determinants of well-being as measured by caregiver strain, depression, sleep, and quality of life in a cohort of informal family care partners for adult outpatients with end-stage liver disease. METHODS: Care partners (aged >18 years) were recruited from two liver clinics within two tertiary healthcare systems and invited to complete a cross-sectional survey. They completed the Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index, Patient Health Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Short Form Health Survey, and Mutuality Scale. Descriptive statistics and latent class mixture modeling were used to analyze these data. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly female and White. The well-being of care partners was diminished. Three distinct classes of well-being were identified: mildly diminished (53.2%), moderately diminished (39.0%), and severely diminished (7.8%). Those at a greater risk of worse well-being were younger and spouses and had poorer relationship quality with the patients. DISCUSSION: To improve the well-being of care partners in moderately and severely diminished classes, assessing and addressing caregiver strain and co-occurring symptoms is essential. Addressing the strain and symptoms has the potential to maintain or optimize care partners' ability to provide care to patients. Future researchers should include longitudinal and dyadic studies to examine how patients' disease progression and symptoms may affect family care partners' well-being and vice versa.

An ecosystem approach to mentoring research faculty in schools of nursing: The pacific northwest interdependence mentoring model.

BACKGROUND: Mentoring can facilitate faculty career development and retention. Given ongoing challenges in academic nursing (e.g., shrinking number of experienced mentors), it is necessary to revisit and improve upon existing mentoring models and practices to support current and future nurse researchers. PURPOSE: To describe the development of a new faculty-to-faculty research mentoring model. METHODS: Construction of a model describing mentoring needed by research-focused nurse faculty based on analysis of the literature alongside the authors' personal experiences. FINDINGS: The Pacific Northwest Interdependence Mentoring Model (PIMM) describes academic nursing as an ecosystem that fosters caring, trust, solidarity, equity, openness, and interdependent relationships among research faculty, administration, institutions, and funding sources. DISCUSSION: Although mentoring environments differ in unique strengths, weaknesses, mission, culture, and values, the PIMM's approach could be applicable for many schools of nursing and beyond to support the growth of the nursing discipline.

Incorporating reproductive system history data into cardiovascular nursing research to advance women's health.

The lack of sex-specific variables, such as reproductive system history (RSH), in cardiovascular research studies is a missed opportunity to address the cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, especially among women who face sex-specific risks of developing CVD. Collecting RSH data from women enrolled in research studies is an important step towards improving women's cardiovascular health. In this paper, we describe two approaches to collecting RSH in CVD research: extracting RSH from the medical record and participant self-report of RSH. We provide specific examples from our own research and address common data management and statistical analysis problems when dealing with RSH data in research.

Updated Management of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Scientific Advances Driving Modern Therapeutic Innovations.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and accounts for an estimated 1 million deaths annually worldwide. The liver is the most common site of metastatic spread from colorectal cancer, significantly driving both morbidity and mortality. Although remarkable advances have been made in recent years in the management for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases, significant challenges remain in early detection, prevention of progression and recurrence, and in the development of more effective therapeutics. In 2017, our group held a multidisciplinary state-of-the-science symposium to discuss the rapidly evolving clinical and scientific advances in the field of colorectal liver metastases, including novel early detection and prognostic liquid biomarkers, identification of high-risk cohorts, advances in tumor-immune therapy, and different regional and systemic therapeutic strategies. Since that time, there have been scientific discoveries translating into therapeutic innovations addressing the current management challenges. These innovations are currently reshaping the treatment paradigms and spurring further scientific discovery. Herein, we present an updated discussion of both the scientific and clinical advances and future directions in the management of colorectal liver metastases, including adoptive T-cell therapies, novel blood-based biomarkers, and the role of the tumor microbiome. In addition, we provide a comprehensive overview detailing the role of modern multidisciplinary clinical approaches used in the management of patients with colorectal liver metastases, including considerations toward specific molecular tumor profiles identified on next generation sequencing, as well as quality of life implications for these innovative treatments.

Are Physical and Depressive Symptoms Different Between Women and Men With Heart Failure?: An Exploration Using Two Analytic Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Adults with heart failure (HF) experience a constellation of symptoms; however, understanding of gender differences in HF symptoms remain elusive. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are gender differences in physical and depressive symptoms and symptom patterns in HF using 2 different analytic techniques. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of combined data from 6 studies of adults with HF. Physical symptoms were measured with the HF Somatic Perception Scale, and depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. First, we performed propensity matching with the nearest neighbor to examine the average treatment effect for HF Somatic Perception Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in the matched sample of women and men. Next, we used the entire data set in a latent class mixture model to determine patterns of symptoms. Finally, we calculated predictors of class membership with multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The sample (n = 524, 86.5% systolic HF) was 37% women with a mean age of 58.3 ± 13.9 years and mean number of years with HF of 6.9 ± 6.9. Three hundred sixty-six participants were matched on propensity scores; there were no significant gender differences in symptom scores between matched women (n = 183) and men (n = 183). Among all 524 participants, 4 distinct latent classes of symptom patterns indicate that many patients with HF are fatigued, some have more depressive symptoms, and others have significantly more edema or cough. Gender did not predict membership to any symptom pattern. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant gender differences in sociodemographics, health behaviors, and clinical characteristics, but not HF symptoms or symptom patterns, using either analytic technique.

Clinician Perspectives on Palliative Care for People with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Facilitators of and Barriers to Referral.

(1) Background: Little is known about facilitators of and barriers to palliative care referral for people with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study is to identify facilitators and barriers of palliative care referral described by HCC-treating clinicians. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were conducted with HCC-treating clinicians at two centers, focusing on referral patterns, palliative care needs, and disease course. A code book was created, axial coding was used to code all interviews, and selective coding was used to identify facilitators and barriers of palliative care referral. (3) Results: Facilitators included helpfulness at times of transition; help with management of certain symptoms; provision of psychosocial support; and positive experiences with referral. Barriers included feasibility concerns; lack of information about palliative care and who is appropriate; lack of symptoms requiring outside referral; and concerns that palliative care conveys loss of hope. (4) Conclusions: Participants noted the helpfulness of palliative care at specific points in the disease trajectory and cited barriers related to feasibility, lack of need, lack of awareness, and loss of hope. The results show actionable issues that can be addressed in future research to leverage the benefits of and overcome the barriers to palliative care for people with HCC.

Targets and study design for symptom-focused trials aimed at patients with cirrhosis: An expert consensus.

BACKGROUND: Symptom-focused trials are critically needed for patients with cirrhosis. However, this work would benefit from standard processes and validated measures. METHODS: A writing group was formed among hepatologists, nurses, palliative care providers, pharmacists, and clinical trial experts focused on symptom management in patients with cirrhosis to define the key (1) components of trial design, (2) symptom targets, (3) measurement, and (4) outcomes for each target. From July 2022 to January 2023, panelists participated in an iterative process of developing and arriving at a consensus for each component. The goal was to provide consensus definitions that can be operationalized in future clinical trials, including for patients with cirrhosis. RESULTS: The panel reached a consensus on key reporting features for clinical trials, along with considerations for study design. Nine key symptom targets (muscle cramps, pruritus, pain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea/breathlessness) were identified. The panel selected instruments that can be considered for clinical trials based on psychometric validation and previous experience. The panel identified ongoing needs, including instrument validation, safety data, evidence about non-pharmacologic interventions, and comparative effectiveness studies. CONCLUSION: This expert panel identified key design, reporting, and measurement elements to standardize processes and measures in future symptom-focused clinical trials in the context of cirrhosis.

Relationships among clinicians are crucial to successful palliative care integration: a qualitative study in lung cancer.

Aims: Palliative care integration improves quality of life among patients with lung cancer and their families. Despite these benefits, significant barriers persist and patients do not receive timely integration. This study sought to identify facilitators of and barriers to integration in lung cancer care. Materials & methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with palliative care and lung cancer clinicians and analyzed using traditional content analysis. 23 clinicians were interviewed from geographically dispersed hospitals within a national healthcare system. Results: Palliative care integration improved over time, enhanced by several facilitators stratified at four levels (patient/clinician/hospital/organization). Most important among these was multidisciplinary care delivered in outpatient settings, fostering trust and relationships among clinicians which were pivotal to successful integration. Workforce shortages and limited use of primary palliative care among lung cancer clinicians need to be addressed for continued growth in the field. Conclusion: Relationships among clinicians are crucial to successful palliative care integration in lung cancer care.

Palliative care is a form of supportive care for patients with a serious illness that improves quality of life among patients with lung cancer and their families. Unfortunately, many patients do not receive this care until they are near the end of life. This study sought to explore clinicians' perspectives regarding ways to enhance the use of palliative care among patients with lung cancer. Using interviews of clinicians from geographically dispersed hospitals within a national healthcare system, the authors explored reasons and potential solutions to improve palliative care delivery. One of the most important factors in enhancing palliative care use was fostering trust and relationships among palliative care and lung cancer clinicians. Workforce shortages also need to be addressed for continued growth in the field of palliative care. Relationships among clinicians are crucial to successful palliative care integration in lung cancer care.

Caregiver Burden in Adult Solid Organ Transplantation.

The informal caregiver plays a critical role in supporting patients with various end-stage diseases throughout the solid organ transplantation journey. Caregiver responsibilities include assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, implementation of highly specialized treatments, transportation to appointments and treatments, and health care coordination and navigation. The demanding nature of these tasks has profound impacts across multiple domains of the caregiver's life: physical, psychological, financial, logistical, and social. Few interventions targeting caregiver burden have been empirically evaluated, with the majority focused on education or mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. Further research is urgently needed to develop and evaluate interventions to improve caregiver burden and outcomes for the patient-caregiver dyad.

Association of Patient-Centered Elements of Care and Palliative Care Among Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer.

CONTEXT: Palliative care (PC) is associated with improved quality of life, survival, and decreased healthcare use at the end of life among lung cancer patients. However, the specific elements of palliative care that may contribute to these benefits are unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations of PC and its setting of delivery with prescriptions of symptom management medications, advance care planning (ACP), hospice enrollment, and home health care (HHC) receipt. METHODS: Retrospective, cohort study of patients with advanced stage (IIIB/IV) lung cancer in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) diagnosed from 2007-2013; with follow-up through 2017. Propensity score methods were used with inverse probability of treatment weighting and logistic regression modeling, adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Among 23 142 patients, 57% received PC. Compared to non-receipt of PC, PC in any setting (inpatient or outpatient) was associated with increased prescriptions of pain medications (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.45-1.83), constipation regimen with pain medications (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.63-2.54), and antidepressants (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.52-2.09). PC was also associated with increased ACP (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.37-1.67) and hospice enrollment (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI:1.31-1.47), and decreased HHC (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-.90) compared to non-receipt of PC. Receipt of PC in outpatient settings was associated with increased prescriptions of pain medications (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 2.13-3.04) and antidepressants (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.46-2.12), and hospice enrollment (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.90-2.31) compared to receipt of PC in inpatient settings. CONCLUSIONS: PC is associated with increased use of symptom management medications, ACP, and hospice enrollment, especially when delivered in outpatient settings. These elements of care elucidate potential mechanisms for improved outcomes associated with PC and provide a framework for a primary palliative care approach among non-palliative care clinicians.

The Role of Financial Security on Physical and Mental Health in Young-Midlife Couples Surviving Cancer.

BACKGROUND: A cancer diagnosis carries a significant economic burden. Yet little is known about perceived financial security on the health of couples with a partner diagnosed with cancer. OBJECTIVE: The current study explored perceived financial security in young-midlife couples. METHODS: The study included 49 couples (aged 27-58 years) 1 to 3 years after diagnosis. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the association of perceived financial security on physical and mental health of couples controlling for interdependent data; hierarchical linear regression was used to examine perceived financial security on survivor symptoms and partner care strain. RESULTS: Mean age of survivors was 43.5 (±9.0) years. Most survivors were female (69%) and 2.2 (±0.6) years after diagnosis. Lower levels of perceived financial security were significantly associated with poorer physical (P < .001) and mental (P < .05) health status for survivors, controlling for age, sex, education, and years since diagnosis; there were no significant associations with partner health status. Lower levels of perceived financial security were significantly associated with higher survivor pain severity (P < .001), pain interference (P < .001), and fatigue (P < .01); there was no significant association with partner care strain. CONCLUSIONS: Financial security plays a role on the physical and mental health of couples after diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Screening for financial hardship at diagnosis and posttreatment can identify couples at high risk and in need of additional resources and counseling. Greater assessment and reporting of financial security in studies of families surviving cancer are needed to understand the impact on health outcomes.

Symptom Classes in Decompensated Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with decompensated liver disease have been categorized by disease severity. This analysis sought to classify patients with end-stage liver disease based on symptoms rather than disease state and to identify distinct severity classes of physical and psychological symptoms. METHODS: Patients with a model for end-stage liver disease-sodium score of 15 or higher were recruited from liver clinics in 2 health care organizations. They completed the Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Revised Ways of Coping Checklist, Patient Health Questionnaire, Life Orientation Test-Revised, and the Short-Form Health Survey. Cross-sectional data were analyzed using latent class mixture modeling. RESULTS: The sample (N = 191; age, 56.6 ± 11.1 y; 33.5% ETOH; 28.3% nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; 13.1% autoimmune/primary biliary cholangitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis) was predominantly male (64.2%), Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C (49.5%), with an average model for end-stage liver disease-sodium score of 18.7 ± 4.9. Three distinct classes of symptoms were identified, as follows: mild (26.7%), moderate (41.4%), or severe (31.9%) symptoms. Symptom classes were independent of disease severity and demographic characteristics, except age. All Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale symptoms and Patient Health Questionnaire scores were significantly different across the 3 classes (P < .05). The symptom classes also differed significantly in physical and mental quality of life, optimism, and avoidance coping behaviors (all P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported symptom severity occurred independent of disease severity, contrary to common assumptions. Focusing on the moderate and severe symptom classes as well as patient history of end-stage liver disease complications may enhance providers' ability to improve symptom management for this population.

Symptom Frequency and Distress Underestimated in Decompensated Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing multiple symptoms and the distress of these symptoms in decompensated cirrhosis are lacking. AIMS: The aims of this study were to assess symptom prevalence and distress among patients with decompensated cirrhosis and to describe medical management of the most prevalent symptoms. METHODS: Patients were recruited from hepatology clinics within two health-care systems. Eligibility criteria included a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD-Na) score ≥15. Patients completed the Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire. Comparative statistics were used to analyze the cross-sectional survey data. RESULTS: Of the sample (n = 146), most patients were Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class B (49.7%) and C (46.2%). Mean age was 56.5 years, 65.1% were male, and 88.4% were white. Average MELD-Na score was 19.1 ± 4.5. The most prevalent symptoms were lack of energy and feeling drowsy while the most distressing were lack of energy and difficulty sleeping. Only 24 patients (16.4%) were treated for their difficulty sleeping with sleep medication. Importantly, those prescribed sleep medications had similar distress (3.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.229) compared with patients not prescribed sleep medications. Opioids were prescribed to 57 (39.0%) patients; antidepressants to 34 (23.3%). Forty patients (27.4%) who reported moderate or greater depression were not prescribed an antidepressant. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the multiple symptoms and distress experienced by patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and the need for improved medical management by health-care providers through enhanced awareness and attention to these complex symptoms. Future research should focus on improvements in symptom management.

The patient's perspective: a qualitative study of individual experience with decision-making, treatment, and recovery for resectable pancreatic cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) remains a challenging diagnosis. The likelihood of long-term survival is limited even for patients who undergo maximal medical therapy with systemic chemotherapy and surgical resection. Within this intensive process, there remains limited understanding of patients' pretreatment expectations of PDAC treatment experience and their decision-making process. METHODS: PDAC patients who underwent chemotherapy and surgical resection were retrospectively identified. Semi-structured phone interviews were completed regarding patient experience with therapy. Qualitative descriptive analysis was performed, and categories, subcategories, and themes were determined. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were interviewed regarding their experience with PDAC treatment. An overall personal disease trajectory experience was identified with two phases. The first phase encompassed the patients' treatment. In this phase, patients expressed a choice, non-choice regarding therapy decisions, viewing therapy as the only option. Misconceptions about the roles of therapies and expected experience of treatment were observed. The second phase focused on life after therapy. Patients reported persistent physical changes secondary to therapy. An overall realistic understanding of the patient's limited prognosis was observed, with patients expressing appreciation of the life time gained as a benefit of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There remains critical areas for improvement in communication and care of patients with PDAC. Physicians should continue to ensure that patient's goals and wishes are respected when making treatment decisions and confirm that patients understand the roles and limitations of prescribed therapies. Additionally, patients continue to have significant physical changes post treatment which should be assessed for and managed as appropriate to maintain quality of life.

Enrolling Caregivers in Obesity Interventions to Improve Obesity-Related Outcomes in Children.

In this study, we assessed the influences of change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/sedentary time (ST) of caregivers participating in a commercial weight-loss program on their children's change in MVPA/ST. Data from 29 caregivers and their children were collected over 8 weeks. We used multivariable linear regression to assess associations of changes in caregiver's percent of time spent in MVPA/ST and changes in their child's percent of time spent in MVPA/ST. For caregivers that decreased body mass index (BMI) over 8 weeks, changes in caregivers' MVPA was strongly associated with the change in children's MVPA (ß = 2.61 [95% CI: 0.45, 4.77]) compared to caregivers who maintained/increased BMI (ß = 0.24 [-2.16, 2.64]). Changes in caregivers' ST was strongly associated with changes in children's ST (ß = 2.42 [1.02, 3.81]) compared to caregivers who maintained/increased BMI (ß = 0.35 [-0.45, 1.14]). Findings reinforce encouraging caregivers to enroll in weight-loss programs for the benefit of their children as well as for themselves.

Suicide Risk, Changing Jobs, or Leaving the Nursing Profession in the Aftermath of a Patient Safety Incident.

BACKGROUND: Nursing retention is a concern for healthcare systems, hospital administrators, and nurses who have spent considerable time and money to achieve educational goals. Nearly, 33% of nurses will drop out in the 2 years practice. Those who stay in practice face an increased risk of suicide when compared the general population. AIMS: To examine the relationship between nurse sociodemographic data and unique study variables with potential morally injurious outcomes (i.e., dropping out variables: changing jobs, intention to leave the profession, or suicidal thinking). METHODS: A descriptive, correlational study design was used to characterize the relationship between the sociodemographic data of 216 registered nurses (RNs) and patient safety and the suicidal behavioral questionnaire. RESULTS: RNs involved in a patient safety incident (PSI) considered changing jobs when the degree of harm was death (p < .001) or was unknown (p < .05) when compared with no harm. RNs were more likely to consider leaving the profession when the degree of harm to the patient was permanent (p < .01) or the patient died (p < .05) when compared with having no harm. RNs future suicidal thinking (i.e., their self-reported likelihood of future suicidal behavior) was statistically significant when degree of harm to the patient was death (p < .05) as a result of a PSI (95% CI [1.11, 8.71]) when compared with no harm. The RNs who had suicidal thoughts over the past year compared with those without and the RNs with future suicidal thinking compared with those without, may respond differently in the aftermath of a PSI. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: This study served as a pioneering effort to the current understanding between nurse characteristics and patient harm and "dropping out" outcomes in RNs involved in PSIs. RNs involved with PSIs that led to more harm were more likely to change jobs, consider leaving the profession, or contemplate future suicide. These findings have important implications for nurses, administrative managers in healthcare organizations, and researchers.

Developing Priorities for Palliative Care Research in Advanced Liver Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Individuals with advanced liver disease (AdvLD), such as decompensated cirrhosis (DC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), have significant palliative needs. However, little research is available to guide health care providers on how to improve key domains related to palliative care (PC). We sought to identify priority areas for future research in PC by performing a comprehensive literature review and conducting iterative expert panel discussions. We conducted a literature review using search terms related to AdvLD and key PC domains. Individual reviews of these domains were performed, followed by iterative discussions by a panel consisting of experts from multiple disciplines, including hepatology, specialty PC, and nursing. Based on these discussions, priority areas for research were identified. We identified critical gaps in the available research related to PC and AdvLD. We developed and shared five key priority questions incorporating domains related to PC. Conclusion: Future research endeavors focused on improving PC in AdvLD should consider addressing the five key priorities areas identified from literature reviews and expert panel discussions.