Improving end-of-life care for patients with hematological diseases
Compassionate Communication and Advance Care Planning to Improve End of Life Care in Treatment of Hematological Disease (ACT)- a Cluster Randomized Controlled Study
This study is trying a new way to improve end-of-life care for patients with blood cancers by helping them and their families have better conversations with doctors about treatment options and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 920 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 7 sites (Aalborg and 6 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05444348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on enhancing end-of-life care for patients diagnosed with hematological cancers, such as multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. It employs a novel approach called 'Advance Consultations Concerning participants Life and Treatment' (ACT), which aims to improve communication between patients, their caregivers, and healthcare providers regarding prognosis and treatment options. The intervention seeks to reduce unnecessary treatments and improve the quality of life for patients nearing the end of life. Participants will engage in consultations that emphasize palliative care and informed decision-making.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma who have limited treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with the specified hematological conditions or those who do not have an informal caregiver may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better quality of life and more appropriate end-of-life care for patients with hematological cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar approaches in improving end-of-life care, indicating that this methodology is promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients must: * Be at least 18 years of age * Have a diagnosis of one of the following: * High-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or MDS with overlap of myeloproliferative neoplasms (high-risk MDS/MPN), * Acute myeloid leukemia(AML): Age≥80 or in palliative treatment or relapse * Lymphoma: Age≥80 or relapse or refractory or palliative treatment * Multiple myeloma(MM): Age≥80 or relapsed or refractory Have limited treatment options. Provide informed consent. Have sufficient Danish skills to complete intervention sessions and data collection An informal caregiver is identified by the patient as the primary provider of informal physical, practical or emotional support and must: * Be at least 18 years of age * Be able to accompany patients to intervention appointments * Provide informed consent * Have sufficient Danish skills to complete intervention sessions and data collection Physicians: * specialized in hematology * treating patients with High risk myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma * work at the same department for the entire time of intervention. Nurses: * treating patients with High-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma * work at the same department for the entire time of intervention. Exclusion Criteria: Patient and caregiver are excluded if one of them is: \- Suffering from a severe psychiatric disorder Physicians and nurses: \- If they do not meet the inclusion criterion.
Where this trial is running
Aalborg and 6 other locations
- Aalborg Universitetshospital — Aalborg, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Aarhus Universitetshospital — Aarhus, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Sydvestjysk sygehus - Esbjerg — Esbjerg, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Regionshospitalet Gødstrup — Herning, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Odense Universitetshospital — Odense, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Sjællands universitetshospital Roskilde — Roskilde, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Lillebælt syge - Vejle Sygehus — Vejle, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christoffer Johansen, Professor — Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Study coordinator: Cæcilie Borregaard Myrhøj, MScN
- Email: caecilie.borregaard.myrhoej@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 60701620
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.