Helping elderly patients discuss their end-of-life care preferences

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve end-of-life care for elderly patients by facilitating discussions about their goals of care. It involves hospitalized patients aged 80 and older who will participate in guided conversations regarding their preferences for life-sustaining treatments. The study will compare the outcomes of these facilitated discussions against usual care, focusing on metrics such as ICU days, patient satisfaction, and quality of communication. The goal is to ensure that medical care aligns with patients' values and preferences, ultimately reducing unwanted interventions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Hospitalized patients ≥ 80 years old with an acute medical or surgical condition admitted to any hospital ward
* Previously or currently documented CODE STATUS preferences include any life sustaining therapies
* Duration of admission ≥ 24 hours
* English speaking, or translator present
* Competent patient or substitute decision maker

Exclusion Criteria:

* Treating physician, patient, or substitute decision maker declines
* Documented resuscitation preferences for comfort or supportive care
* New diagnosis of life-limiting illness on this hospital admission, for example, new diagnosis of metastatic cancer
* Clinically unstable, admitted to an intensive care unit, or currently receiving acute life support treatment (mechanical ventilation, acute dialysis, or inotropic/vasopressor support)
* Readmission after index hospitalization
* Pre-existing need for chronic mechanical ventilation (invasive mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy \> 90 days) or maintenance dialysis (peritoneal or hemodialysis \> 90 days)

Where it's running

• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
  Barrie, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Giulio DiDiodato, MD PhD — Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
• Study coordinator: Giulio DiDiodato, MD PhD
• Email: didiodatog@rvh.on.ca
• Phone: 7057289090

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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.