Improving end-of-life care for critically ill adults
Palliative Care Protocol for Adult Patients at High Risk of Death in Critical Care Units: A Multicentric Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomised Trial
This study is testing a new palliative care approach to see if it can improve the quality of care for critically ill adults who are at high risk of dying.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 248 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chile Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Santiago, Me) |
| Trial ID | NCT06483958 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a palliative care protocol in enhancing the quality of care for adult patients at high risk of dying in critical care units. The study will assess symptom burden, including dyspnea, pain, and anxiety, until death or day 5, whichever comes first. Researchers will compare the outcomes of the palliative care protocol against standard care practices across five hospitals in Chile, involving a total of 248 patients. The intervention focuses on symptom management, patient autonomy, respectful communication, and holistic support.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been hospitalized in a critical care unit for more than 48 hours and have a medical indication for limiting therapeutic efforts.
Not a fit: Patients with severe communication disorders, cultural language limitations, or those who are brain dead may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of end-of-life care for critically ill patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that palliative care protocols can improve patient outcomes in critical care settings, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years old and older * Hospitalization in critical care unit for more than 48 hrs. * Medical indication of therapeutic effort limitation, defined as: a) Non-initiation or withdrawal of life support therapies: invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, renal replacement therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe communication disorder and cultural language limitation (language other than Spanish). * Absence of legal representative and/or caregiver. * Brain dead patient.
Where this trial is running
Santiago, Me
- Verónica Rojas — Santiago, Me, Chile (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Verónica Rojas, Msc
- Email: verorojas@uchile.cl
- Phone: +56976488006
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.