Burden, Quality of Life, and Palliative Care for Family Caregivers of Individuals with Advanced Liver Disease: a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Identify and describe prior studies of family caregiver quality of life, health, and burden experienced while caring for patients with advanced liver disease and the possible role of palliative care. Recent Findings Thirty-six articles were identified that met inclusion criteria. Studies identified included cross-sectional, longitudinal, and prospective intervention studies, with a high proportion of qualitative and descriptive research. Resulting studies addressed type of family caregiver burden, including physical, psychological, and financial causes of burden, including HE, lack of information and communication, and unpredictability of the disease course. Few prospective studies were identified. The interventions described included nurse-led palliative care, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and coping interventions. Summary Little has been published on the nature of family caregiving, burden, quality of life, or the role of palliative care for family caregivers of people with advanced liver disease. Prospective studies that address unmet family caregiver needs, including palliative care interventions, are lacking.