Our Summary

Liver transplantation is a common treatment for severe liver diseases and liver cancer. Patients who receive a liver transplant need to manage their health carefully for the rest of their lives, which can include taking medication, making lifestyle changes, and navigating complex healthcare systems. eHealth technologies could help with this, but they haven’t been widely used in this group because managing health after a liver transplant is so complicated.

This study looked at how eHealth technologies are used by liver transplant patients and what benefits and challenges they present. The researchers reviewed a wide range of studies and found that eHealth technologies are mainly used to help with lifestyle management, medication adherence, and remote monitoring. However, there’s a noticeable lack of support for patients who relapse into alcohol use. The technologies used in the studies varied, including mobile apps, video conferencing, and telehealth platforms, but many didn’t include essential aspects of self-management, like decision-making or resource use skills.

While these technologies were generally easy to use and adhered to, their effectiveness varied. This could be due to differences in how the studies were conducted and what they measured. Despite this, the studies showed that eHealth has the potential to improve individualized healthcare. However, only a few included features like two-way communication or tailored goal-setting.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that future studies should focus on creating personalized eHealth interventions based on patient-generated data and including more human interactions. They also emphasize the need to address the “digital divide”, especially as the liver transplant recipient population ages, and to ensure that future studies are inclusive of different ethnicities and regions.

FAQs

  1. How are eHealth technologies currently being used by liver transplant patients?
  2. What are the main benefits and challenges of using eHealth technologies in managing health after a liver transplant?
  3. What recommendations do researchers have for future eHealth interventions for liver transplant patients?

Doctor’s Tip

Overall, it’s important for liver transplant patients to work closely with their healthcare team to ensure they are effectively managing their health post-transplant. Utilizing eHealth technologies can be a helpful tool in this process, but it’s important to find the right resources that meet individual needs and provide ongoing support. By staying informed, engaged, and proactive in their healthcare, liver transplant patients can help improve their overall quality of life and long-term outcomes.

Suitable For

Overall, liver transplant patients with severe liver diseases and liver cancer are typically recommended for liver transplant surgery. These patients often need to carefully manage their health post-transplant, which can be complex and challenging. While eHealth technologies have the potential to aid in this management, there are currently gaps in how they are used and their effectiveness. Future research should focus on creating personalized eHealth interventions that address the specific needs of liver transplant patients and ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all patients.

Timeline

Before liver transplant:

  • Patient is diagnosed with severe liver disease or liver cancer
  • Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluations to determine eligibility for transplant
  • Patient is placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor liver
  • Patient may experience symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, and fluid retention
  • Patient may require ongoing medical treatment and monitoring to manage symptoms and complications

After liver transplant:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to receive the donor liver
  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for complications and recovery
  • Patient may need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent rejection of the new liver
  • Patient participates in regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor liver function and overall health
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and staying physically active
  • Patient may experience complications or side effects from the transplant or medications, which require ongoing management and treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about liver transplant and eHealth technologies include:

  1. How can eHealth technologies help me manage my health after a liver transplant?
  2. What specific eHealth tools or platforms do you recommend for me to use?
  3. How can I ensure that the eHealth technologies I use are secure and protect my privacy?
  4. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or medication adherence strategies that the eHealth technologies can help me with?
  5. How often should I be using these eHealth tools or platforms to monitor my health?
  6. What should I do if I experience a relapse in alcohol use, and how can eHealth technologies support me in this situation?
  7. Can you provide me with resources or information on how to access and use eHealth technologies effectively?
  8. How can I track and share my health data with you or other healthcare providers using eHealth technologies?
  9. Are there any support groups or online communities for liver transplant patients that you recommend for additional support?
  10. How can I ensure that the eHealth technologies I use are inclusive of my unique needs and preferences as a liver transplant recipient?

Reference

Authors: Kim SH, Kim KA, Chu SH, Kim H, Joo DJ, Lee JG, Choi J. Journal: J Med Internet Res. 2024 Jul 4;26:e56664. doi: 10.2196/56664. PMID: 38963937