Assessing palliative care needs in elderly patients at the emergency department
Palliative Care Needs Among Elderly People at Emergency Department
This study looks at how many elderly patients over 75 visiting the emergency department need palliative care and whether their needs are noted in their medical records.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 75 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Region Skane Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsingborg, Skåne County) |
| Trial ID | NCT05883696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the proportion of patients over 75 years old visiting the emergency department who have palliative care needs and whether these needs are documented in their medical records. Researchers will assess patients classified as triage 2-4, collecting data through the Swedish Palliative Care Guide and reviewing medical records after the patients leave the department. The study will continue until 300 patients are included, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify previously undetected palliative care needs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients over 75 years old who seek care in the emergency department and are classified as triage 2-4.
Not a fit: Patients with dementia or other cognitive dysfunction, as well as those unable to communicate in Swedish, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the identification and documentation of palliative care needs in elderly patients, leading to better care and support.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is focused on a specific demographic, similar studies have shown success in identifying palliative care needs in various settings, suggesting potential for positive outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Classified as triage 2-4 Exclusion Criteria: * Dementia or other cognitive dysfunction * Not being able to communicate in Swedish.
Where this trial is running
Helsingborg, Skåne County
- Region Skane — Helsingborg, Skåne County, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Schelin, ass. prof. — Region Skane
- Study coordinator: Sofia Persson, MSc, PhD-student
- Email: sofia.persson@skane.se
- Phone: +46708652769
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.