Can a buddy app slash hospital readmissions for liver patients?

NCT ID NCT02534805

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested a smartphone app called PatientBuddy designed to help people with cirrhosis and their caregivers manage care at home. The goal was to reduce avoidable hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge. Researchers enrolled 232 patients and their caregivers to see if the app made a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

PatientBuddy smartphone app

What this could lead to

If it works, this app could help cirrhosis patients avoid unnecessary return trips to the hospital.

What could go wrong

This is a single-center study with 232 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The app requires a caregiver living in the same home, which limits who can use it.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

cirrhosis of liver Fibrosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States