NCT06068491 · VA Office of Research and Development
Veteran-Centered Care for Advanced Liver Disease (Vet-CALD)
(Vet-CALD)
What this study is about
Advanced liver disease is a serious illness that disproportionately affects Veterans, many of whom hope for curative liver transplantation. However, too few receive a transplant and most continue to suffer from increasing symptoms and hospitalizations.
View original scientific description
Advanced liver disease is a serious illness that disproportionately affects Veterans, many of whom hope for curative liver transplantation. However, too few receive a transplant and most continue to suffer from increasing symptoms and hospitalizations. The proposed project uses a whole person, Veteran-centered approach that identifies Veterans with advanced liver disease using a population-based health management system and integrates curative and early supportive care using a telemedicine-based nurse care counselor to (1) discuss patient's understanding of illness severity and prognosis, (2) identify priorities and care preferences and (3) align curative and supportive care options to achieve patient priorities. Study outcomes include changes in (1) rates of consideration for liver transplantation, and (2) completion of serious illness discussions. Findings will inform adaptations to the intervention and facilitators for its dissemination.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients will be between 18 and 80 years of age
- Patients must be Veterans
- Patients must have been in care at one of the recruiting sites with 1 or more encounters in primary care or GI/Hepatology in the last 24 months
- Patients must have advanced liver disease, defined by ICD-10 codes for cirrhosis complications (ever) or MELD 3.0 \>12 or MELD-Na \>12 or Fibroscan LSM \>20kpa
Exclusion criteria
- Non-Veteran patients
- Patients who do not speak English, do not have access to a telephone or computers, have cognitive impairments, or who are unable to complete a valid informed consent form after three attempts
- Patients who have already made significant progress toward our endpoints: a) with prior history of liver transplantation, or b) on the liver transplant waiting list, or c) had formal evaluation for liver transplantation in the past 3 years
- Patients with very limited life expectancy (advanced cancer, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and hospice patients)
- Patients hospitalized, or in long term facilities or nursing homes at the time they meet inclusion criteria
- Patients with chart diagnosis of uncontrolled mental health or schizophrenia
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Long Beach, California
- Palo Alto, California
- West Los Angeles, California
- West Haven, Connecticut
- Miami, Florida
- Dallas, Texas
- Houston, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations