Advance care planning program for palliative care patients and their families
Effects of a Structured, Family-supported, Patient-centred Advance Care Planning for End-of-life Decision Among Palliative Care Patients and Their Family Members: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a new program to help palliative care patients and their families make important end-of-life decisions together to see if it improves their well-being compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 170 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Hong Kong and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05935540 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, family-supported, patient-centered advance care planning (ACP) program for adult palliative care patients and their family members. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the ACP-Family group, which receives the structured intervention, or the usual palliative care group. The study will assess outcomes related to end-of-life decision-making and psychological well-being through follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. The intervention includes two sessions led by a trained facilitator, focusing on key elements of ACP discussions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult palliative care patients aged 18 and older who can communicate in Cantonese and are cognitively intact.
Not a fit: Patients currently engaged in ACP discussions with healthcare professionals may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance decision-making and psychological outcomes for palliative care patients and their families.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in similar approaches to advance care planning, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patient: * aged ≥ 18, * receiving palliative care at the study hospitals, * able to communicate in Cantonese, and * cognitively intact (Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) score ≥ 7)13 at the time of recruitment Family member: * aged≥ 18 * able to communicate in Cantonese, and * nominated by the patient who is likely to make substituted decisions for the patient in future health care issues. Exclusion Criteria: * are engaging in ACP discussion with healthcare professionals in the hospital at the time of recruitment.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 2 other locations
- Bradbury Hospice — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Shatin Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- United Christian Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Doris YP Leung, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Doris YP Leung, PhD
- Email: doris.yp.leung@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 852 2766 6423
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.