The Heidelberg Milestones Communication Approach (MCA) for patients with prognosis & lt;12  months: protocol for a mixed-methods study including a randomized controlled trial

This study aims to evaluate these aspects of MCA: (1) the training of healthcare professionals, (2) implementa tion context and outcomes, (3) patient outcomes, and (4) effects on interprofessional collaboration.Methods/designA multiphase mixed-methods design will be used for the study. A total of 100 patients and 120 healthcare professionals in a specialized oncology hospital will be involved. The training outcomes will be documented using a questionnaire. Implementation context and outcomes will be explored through semi-structured interviews and written questionnaires with healthcare professionals and with the training participants and through a content analysis of patient files. Patient outcomes will be assessed in a pragmatic non-blinded randomized controlled trial and in qualitative interviews with patients and caregivers. Trial outcomes are supportive care needs (SCNS-SF34-G), quality of life (SeiQol and Fact-L), depression and anxiety symptoms (PHQ-4), and distress (Distress Thermometer). Qualitative semi-structured interviews on patients ’ views will focus on shared decision-making, communication needs, feeling empathy, and further utilization of healthcare services. Interprofessional collaboration will be explored using the UWE-IP-D before the implementation of MCA (t0) and after 3 (t1), 9 (t2), and 12 (t3) months.DiscussionUsing guideline-concordant early palliative care, MCA aims to foster patient-centered communication with shared decision-making and facilitation...
Source: Trials - Category: Research Source Type: clinical trials