Abstract: Objective: To systematically evaluate and integrate qualitative studies on the disease experience of patients with liver cirrhosis, so as to provide evidence for targeted care programme and continuous care. Methods: We searched databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Wanfang Data, CNKI, VIP, CBM, from inception to March 2022, to collect qualitative studies exploring the experience of patients with liver cirrhosis. After evaluating the quality of studies and information extraction, the integrating methods was applied to integrate the results. Results: A total of 10 studies were included, 46 findings were grouped and 9 categories were summarized. Four integration results were synthesized: frailty in physical, psychological and social functions; insufficient ability of disease management and expected to be supported by relatives, friends and health professionals; stigma; the coping style of patients with liver cirrhosis was very different. Conclusion: Based on trajectory of liver cirrhosis, health professionals should assess the multi-dimensional frailty of the patients timely and provide patients with continuous, dynamic support and intervention, cooperate with family members, so as to guide patients to actively cope with the disease and reduce their stigma.

Key words: liver cirrhosis; experience; qualitative research; Meta-synthesis