Comparing different palliative care models for seriously ill hospitalized patients

Comparing Optimized Models of Primary And Specialist Services for Palliative Care: Pilot Feasibility Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT06629142

This study is testing different types of palliative care for seriously ill hospitalized patients to see which one helps them the most.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment540 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Pasadena, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06629142 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot feasibility study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different models of palliative care for seriously ill hospitalized patients. Conducted across six hospitals within two large U.S. health systems, the study will enroll 540 patients who have a predicted mortality risk of at least 60% within one year. Participants will be randomized into three groups: those receiving standardized usual care, those receiving care from trained generalist palliative care providers, and those receiving care from specialist palliative care teams. The focus will be on measuring process outcomes to assess the feasibility of implementing these care models.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized patients aged 18 and older with a predicted one-year mortality risk of 60% or greater.

Not a fit: Patients who are discharged or have an active discharge order prior to enrollment will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the quality of palliative care provided to seriously ill patients, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in improving palliative care outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years of age or older; AND
* Predicted 1-year mortality risk of 60% or greater; AND
* Admitted to a study hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients who die or have an active or completed discharge order prior to enrollment time

Where this trial is running

Pasadena, California and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Seriously Ill Hospitalized PatientsPalliative
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.