RecruitingACTRN12613001377729

Case conferences between general practitioners and specialist teams to plan end of life care of people with end stage heart failure and lung disease: Pilot study

Do case conferences between general practitioners and specialist teams improve outcomes and service utilisation in people with life limiting heart and lung disease compared to usual care?

Sponsor

University of Queensland

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Dec 15, 2011

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

end stage lung disease

Summary

With the ageing of the population, the number of people entering the last stages of life will increase rapidly in the coming few years. Most people will die of progressive, non-malignant disease and most will never be reviewed by a specialist palliative care team, in spite of the intensity of many peoples' needs being equivalent to those dying of cancer. This study aims to improve the care of people dying of non-malignant disease, by conducting a case conference between the patient's GP, their specialist heart failure or lung health nurse, and a palliative care specialist. The purpose is to conduct a comprehensive case review, and develop a clear care plan with clear allocation of tasks. We will compare service utilisation after the conference with that of the previous 12 months, patient outcomes, carer outcomes, and a health economic analysis. This project is a pilot and will lead to a formal randomised controlled trial.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 105 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This pilot study is testing whether a structured meeting (case conference) between a patient's GP, a heart failure or lung health nurse, and a palliative care specialist can improve end-of-life planning and care for people in the late stages of heart failure or severe lung disease. The researchers hope that better communication between health professionals will lead to clearer care plans and a better experience for patients and their families. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years or older - You have end-stage heart failure or serious lung disease - Your health team has identified you as being at risk of dying within the next 12 months You may NOT be eligible if: - You are considered to be at very high risk of dying within 3 months - You have severe cognitive impairment (significant memory or thinking problems) - You currently live in a residential aged care facility Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Single case conference of 30-40 minutes between General practitioner, palliative care physician and specialist nurse to develop a care plan for persons with life limiting heart or lung disease. Case conference provides a comprehensive review of the case from a palliative care perspective, including symptom control, psychosocial issues for patient and carer, advance care planning and service delivery, with an emphasis on care coordination between specialist and community based care.

Locations(1)

Ipswich Hospital - Ipswich

QLD, Australia

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ACTRN12613001377729

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