Clinical Research Directory

MultidISciplinary Care paThway tailoRed on frAilty in Cancer Patients Referred to Outpatient paLliative Care

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a structured, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)-tailored palliative care pathway improves clinical outcomes and care experience in adults with advanced cancer referred to outpatient palliative care. Patients with advanced cancer often experience multiple symptoms and complex needs. Standard outpatient palliative care is usually guided by clinical judgment on patient-reported questionnaires. In this study, researchers aim to test whether a more structured approach, based on predefined cut-offs from PROMs, can improve symptom control, satisfaction with care, and use of healthcare resources. The main questions the study aims to answer are: Does a structured, PROM-driven palliative care pathway reduce symptom burden and psychological distress compared with usual care? And through this, to improve patients' and caregivers' satisfaction with care or reduce emergency room visits, hospital admissions, healthcare costs, and aggressive treatments near the end of life? Researchers will compare two groups: Control group: Participants will receive standard outpatient palliative care. PROMs are collected as usual, but without predefined cut-offs or structured intervention checklists. Experimental group: Participants will receive a structured palliative care pathway tailored to symptoms/needs identified at baseline using PROM cut-offs. Specific multidisciplinary interventions are activated according to identified needs.

Electronic Patient Reporting of Symptoms and Unmet Needs to Connect Patients With Advanced Cancer to Palliative Care Services

This study is testing whether electronic surveys can help patients with advanced cancer report their symptoms and care needs so their doctors can connect them to palliative/supportive care services sooner. The goal is to see if this approach can make it easier for patients to get support for symptoms, quality of life, and other needs during cancer treatment.

Point Prevalence Survey of Palliative Care Needs in Hospitals and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.

The goal of this observational, point-prevalence study is to assess the burden of palliative care needs among adults hospitalised in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics wards, and among residents of long-term care facilities, on the National Palliative Care Day (11 November). The main question it aims to answer is: What is the prevalence of unmet palliative care needs in hospital and long-term care settings on 11 November? Participants (patients and residents) will be evaluated through a structured, web-based questionnaire designed for this study. The survey will collect clinical, functional, and symptom-related data- including comorbidities, mobility, nutritional status, dysphagia, pressure ulcers, indicators of palliative care needs (NECPAL), pain assessment, and delirium screening (4AT)-to produce a detailed snapshot of palliative care needs across settings.