Improving medication management for palliative care patients transitioning to outpatient care
Improving Pharmacological Transition of Palliative Care Patients From Inpatient to Outpatient Care (Optimierung Der Pharmakologischen Überleitung Von Palliativpatient:Innen Von stationär Nach Ambulant)
This study is testing if having trained pharmacists help palliative care patients manage their medications when moving from the hospital to home can improve their health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Muenster Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06648733 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the transition of palliative care patients from inpatient to outpatient settings through structured pharmaceutical discharge management conducted by trained pharmacists. The pharmacists will review and discuss discharge medications with primary care physicians and ensure the availability of necessary medications for outpatient care. Additionally, the study will involve longitudinal focus groups to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from stakeholders involved in the care process. The effectiveness of this approach will be compared with retrospective cases to assess improvements in patient outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with advanced cancer, heart failure, or COPD who are in need of palliative care and have a limited life expectancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to understand the information and consent form will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better medication management and improved quality of life for palliative care patients transitioning to outpatient care.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies focusing on medication management in palliative care, this specific structured approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All individual indications for general and specialised palliative care as part of routine clinical practice (e.g.): * advanced, malignant tumour disease * advanced, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * Patients with advanced disease and limited life expectancy (approx. 12 months) Further care in the SOPC Muenster (prospective data) Sufficient understanding of the German language to be able to understand the information and consent form Exclusion Criteria: Impossibility of understanding the information and declaration of consent.
Where this trial is running
Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia
- University Hospital Muenster — Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christoph Klaas, Dr. rer. nat.
- Email: christoph.klaas@ukmuenster.de
- Phone: +49 251 83-48843
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.