Peer Support for Liver Transplant Recipients With History of ALD

In the United States, ALD is the most common indication for LT. Resuming alcohol use is a major concern for all LT recipients with a history of ALD, with estimates ranging from 16% to 49% and increasing with more time since LT. Although most LT programs have required pre-LT alcohol treatment, post-LT services have been far more heterogeneous, despite the potentially severe consequences of alcohol relapse during this period. The present study proposes implementing and evaluating a care model for LT recipients with a history of ALD after the first post-LT year. The investigators will conduct a single-arm clinical trial to integrate PSS into routine medical care starting in years 2 through 4 following LT. The study will recruit PSS based on lived experiences with ALD/LT and interpersonal skills. The PSS will first receive tailored skills training from the study team in areas such as delivering brief counseling, active listening, and maintaining confidentiality. The PSS will then meet with study participants at regular intervals between standard clinic visits. The investigators will follow participants working with PSS for 1 year and compare the participants with a historical control group of transplant recipients without PSS to determine whether the intervention improves outcomes. Key endpoints will include alcohol use (by self-report and biomarker), retention in post-transplant medical care, and overall survival.

Inclusion criteria

• English speakers
• Received a liver transplant for alcohol-associated liver disease
• Has 1 to 3 years of continuous alcohol abstinence at the time of trial entry

Exclusion criteria

• Liver transplant recipients without a history of alcohol-associated liver disease
• Inability to provide informed consent
• Active participation in a separate intervention trial for alcohol use disorder