Can a smartphone app keep cirrhosis patients out of the hospital?
NCT ID NCT03564626
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a health app (Patient Buddy and EncephalApp) plus scheduled follow-up calls and visits could reduce avoidable hospital readmissions within 30 days in 232 cirrhosis patients. Patients and their caregivers were trained on the app and received daily contact, counseling, and follow-up. The goal was to see if this extra support helps prevent unnecessary returns to the hospital.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Patient Buddy and EncephalApp (health app) plus scheduled follow-up calls and visits
What this could lead to
If it works, this approach could help cirrhosis patients avoid unnecessary hospital readmissions by improving monitoring and support at home.
What could go wrong
This is a completed trial, but the results are not yet widely confirmed. The app-based approach may not work for all patients, especially those less comfortable with technology.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center
Richmond, Virginia, 23249, United States
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Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States