Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment2600 (estimated)
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine
Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 29, 2024
Main results expectedJune 2026
Study endsJune 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 16, 2025
Trial IDNCT06574672 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.