A Pilot Study to Evaluate a New Hep-GRP Care Pathway to Improve Outcomes Among Canadian Older Adults with Liver Cirrhosis.

Background: Older adults with cirrhosis have complex medical needs that are not satisfied by organ specific management. Interdisciplinary approach may mitigate comorbidity and improve patient satisfaction.

Methods: A pilot study consisted of dual specialist interdisciplinary referral pathway and mixed virtual care delivery model are prospectively evaluated in older adults (65 years and older) with cirrhosis during the COVID-19 pandemic between September and December 2022.

Case-control study of household contacts to examine immunological protection from transmission - study protocol.

Background: There is mounting evidence that the recent resurgence of pertussis in many countries is in part related to the acellular vaccine, which has been administered in Canada since 1997. This vaccine elicits a different cell-mediated immune response than the previously used whole-cell vaccine, and its effectiveness wanes over time. The aim of this study is to understand the immunological, demographic and clinical factors that mediate protection from pertussis on exposure.

A new approach to improving healthcare personnel influenza immunization programs: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Healthcare personnel influenza immunization rates remain sub-optimal. Following multiple studies and expert consultations, the "Successful Influenza Immunization Programs for Healthcare Personnel: A Guide for Program Planners" was produced. This trial assessed the impact of the Guide with facilitation in improving healthcare personnel influenza immunization rates in Canadian healthcare organizations.

Patients' preferences and trade-offs for the treatment of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Radio frequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) provide similar survival for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (ES-HCC). Although RFA has a higher recurrence rate, HR is associated with an increased risk of complications and death. When multiple treatments are available, patients should be enabled to direct their preferred therapy.

Live liver donors' risk thresholds: risking a life to save a life.

Background: There is still some controversy regarding the ethical issues involved in live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and there is uncertainty on the range of perioperative morbidity and mortality risks that donors will consider acceptable.

Methods: This study analysed donors' inclinations towards LDLT using decision analysis techniques based on the probability trade-off (PTO) method. Adult individuals with an emotional or biological relationship with a patient affected by end-stage liver disease were enrolled.

Clinical epidemiological analysis of the mortality rate of liver transplant candidates living in rural areas.

MELD score has been used to predict 90-day mortality of subjects listed for liver transplantation (OLT). Validation of MELD score for patients on the waiting list in transplant programmes serving rural areas in North America is lacking. A retrospective cohort of patients affected by end-stage liver disease was studied to assess the mortality rate within 90 days after being listed at our transplant centre.