%0 Journal Article
%T Study protocol: optimization of complex palliative care at home via telemedicine. A cluster randomized controlled trial
%A Froukje Duursma
%A Henk J Schers
%A Kris CP Vissers
%A Jeroen Hasselaar
%J BMC Palliative Care
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1472-684x-10-13
%X During a 2-year recruitment period, GPs are invited to participate in this cluster randomized controlled trial. When a GP refers an eligible patient for the study, the GP is randomized to the intervention group or the control group. Patients in the intervention group have a weekly teleconsultation with a nurse practitioner and/or a physician of the palliative consultation team. The nurse practitioner, in cooperation with the palliative care specialist of the palliative consultation team, advises the GP on treatment policy of the patient. The primary outcome of patient symptom burden is assessed at baseline and weekly using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and at baseline and every four weeks using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Secondary outcomes are self-perceived burden from informal care (EDIZ), patient experienced continuity of medical care (NCQ), patient and caregiver satisfaction with the teleconsultation (PSQ), the experienced problems and needs in palliative care (PNPC-sv) and the number of hospital admissions.This is one of the first randomized controlled trials in palliative telecare. Our data will verify whether telemedicine positively affects palliative homecare.The Netherlands National Trial Register NTR2817Palliative care has become an important public health issue since the past decade [1]. The ageing of the population and the rising life expectancy are contributing to this development. Also, the pattern of diseases people suffer and die from has changed from acute illnesses towards chronic illnesses [1-3]. In addition to advances in medical knowledge and technology that increase treatment possibilities at the end of life, these epidemiological transitions have led to a growing need of palliative care in the last phase of life [4].The primary goal of palliative care is to ensure the best possible quality of life of patients and their families facing a life threatening illness [1,5]. Most people in their end-stage of life
%U http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-684X/10/13