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Virtual Versus In-Person Approaches
Sponsor: Al Al Bayt University, Jordan
Summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of two models of early palliative care delivery for adults with cancer: virtual care provided through scheduled video consultations and standard in-person clinic visits. Early palliative care aims to improve quality of life, manage symptoms, and support patients and families throughout the course of serious illness. Although in-person services are well established, access barriers may limit their use, and virtual care may offer a feasible alternative. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either virtual early palliative care or in-person early palliative care. Both models include structured assessments of physical and psychological symptoms, communication and decision-making support, and routine follow-up with a palliative care specialist. Outcomes are assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary and secondary outcomes include quality of life, symptom burden, psychological distress, patient satisfaction, and healthcare utilization. The purpose of the study is to determine whether virtual early palliative care delivers outcomes comparable to those of traditional in-person care. The results may inform future models of palliative care delivery by identifying approaches that improve accessibility while maintaining high-quality patient support.
Official title: Evaluating Palliative Care Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Virtual Versus In-Person Approaches
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
252
Start Date
2026-02-01
Completion Date
2027-06
Last Updated
2025-12-11
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Virtual Early Palliative Care
This intervention consists of structured early palliative care delivered primarily through secure video-based consultations approximately every four weeks. Sessions are conducted by a multidisciplinary palliative care team and include symptom assessment, management recommendations, psychosocial support, and care planning. Telephone calls may be used when video is not feasible. The clinical content mirrors standard palliative care, but all routine visits are conducted remotely rather than in person.
Standard In-Person Early Palliative Care
This intervention involves face-to-face early palliative care visits conducted on-site at the King Hussein Cancer Center every four weeks. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team and includes routine symptom evaluation, treatment adjustments, psychosocial support, and additional assessments as needed. The clinical services follow standard palliative care guidelines. This arm differs from the intervention arm only in delivery mode, as all visits occur in person.