Assessing symptom burden in patients with life-limiting illnesses
The MuSt-PC: A Multidimensional Strategy to Improve Quality of Life of Patients With Multiple Symptoms and Palliative Care Needs - Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a Clinical Decision Support System
NA · University Medical Center Groningen · NCT06107946
This study is trying to see how well a new tool can help doctors understand the symptoms of adults with serious illnesses who may not have much time left, by having them report their symptoms over two weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Groningen and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06107946 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study involves healthcare professionals using the MuSt-PC tool to evaluate symptom burden in adult patients with life-limiting illnesses who are not expected to survive the next 12 months. A total of at least 20 eligible patients will be recruited to complete assessments using the Utrecht Symptom Diary over a two-week period. Patients will report their symptoms twice daily in the first week and once daily in the second week, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their symptom experience. The study aims to gather data that could inform better palliative care practices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with life-limiting illnesses who have at least two symptoms rated 4 or higher on the Utrecht Symptom Diary.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable or unwilling to self-assess their symptoms will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of symptom burden in palliative care, leading to improved patient management and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding symptom burden in palliative care settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients identified as in a palliative care trajectory (based on a negative answer to the surprise question "Would I be surprised if this patiënt died in the next 12 months?") * All primary diseases (cancer, non-cancer (e.g. COPD, haart failure, frailty) * Patients should have at least two symptoms on the Utrecht Symptom Diary with a numeric rating score of 4 or higher * Life expectancy of at least 4 weeks * Able to fill out Dutch questionnaires * Informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unable or unwilling to self-assess their symptoms at baseline.
Where this trial is running
Groningen and 1 other locations
- University Medical Center Groningen — Groningen, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
- LUMC — Leiden, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: An KL Reyners, MD, PhD — University Medical Center Groningen
- Study coordinator: An KL Reyners, MD, PhD
- Email: a.k.l.reyners@umcg.nl
- Phone: +50 361 2821
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.
Conditions: Palliative Care