Oral health and dental care in palliative care patients
Oral Health and Dental Care in Palliative Medicine: A Survey Study Among Patients and Members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine
This survey asks palliative care patients and German palliative care professionals about mouth problems, oral health-related quality of life, and access to dental care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 151 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Goettingen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Göttingen, Germany) |
| Trial ID | NCT07324525 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective, non-interventional survey collects anonymous online responses from palliative care patients and members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine. Patients report oral symptoms, oral health-related quality of life, and access to dental services, while professionals answer questions about knowledge, attitudes, current practices, and barriers to interprofessional collaboration. The professional questionnaire is distributed by email and newsletter with reminders at six and twelve weeks, and all participation is voluntary and based on informed consent. Responses will be analyzed descriptively to identify gaps in care and opportunities to better integrate dental services into palliative care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults receiving palliative care who are able to give informed consent and can complete a questionnaire are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those unable or unwilling to provide informed consent, or those too unwell to complete questionnaires are excluded and will not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings may support better integration of dental care into palliative services and improve symptom control and comfort for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has documented frequent oral problems in palliative populations but systematic efforts to integrate dental services are limited, so robust practice-changing evidence is sparse.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * consent-capable patients receiving palliative care * patients whose health status allows completion of a questionnaire * consent-capable members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine Exclusion Criteria: * Participants under 18 years of age * Individuals who are unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Göttingen, Germany
- University Medical Center Goettingen — Göttingen, Germany, Germany (Recruiting)
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.