Embedding palliative care in the medical ICU
Official title: Impact of an Embedded Palliative Care and Hospice Practitioner in the Medical ICU
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06574672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether having a palliative care specialist in the ICU can help critically ill patients get better care and improve their outcomes compared to those who don’t have this support.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 29, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 16, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06574672 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are admitted to the medical intensive care units at the participating tertiary referral center.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not critically ill or those who do not require palliative care services may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of having a dedicated palliative care practitioner embedded within a medical intensive care unit (ICU) on patient outcomes and healthcare utilization. The practitioner will provide timely and proactive consultations based on clinical criteria and estimated mortality risk, comparing outcomes for patients seen by the practitioner to those in an adjacent ICU and historical patients. The aim is to improve palliative care and hospice utilization as well as overall healthcare quality metrics for critically ill patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life and care for critically ill patients by ensuring timely access to palliative care services.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar embedded palliative care approaches, indicating potential for success in this intervention.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients admitted to the medical intensive care units at a tertiary referral center * Patients must be at least 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where it's running
-
Barnes Jewish Hospital
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephen Chi, MD — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Stephen Chi, MD
- Email: chis@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-273-6176
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.