Implementation of RELIEF for Patients With Palliative Care Needs
NCT ID: NCT05806255
Last Updated: 2023-12-05
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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NOT_YET_RECRUITING
NA
600 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2024-07-01
2025-10-31
Brief Summary
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RELIEF allows for the remote self-reporting of symptoms by patients to their healthcare providers. It is an easy and effective method of remote symptom reporting for patients with palliative care needs, and RELIEF has the potential to result in significant healthcare cost avoidance and improved patient care. The proposed study will establish the feasibility of implementing RELIEF across a diverse set of populations and settings in Canada.
Detailed Description
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Studies have demonstrated how remote monitoring of symptoms can improve care in patients with palliative care needs. However, some existing digital solutions are limited in that they are rarely well-integrated into the workflow. Additionally, alerting mechanisms to trigger interventions are often absent and the target populations tend to only focus on patients with cancer. Therefore, RELIEF was introduced as an online application designed for the remote self-reporting of symptoms in all patients with palliative care needs. The patient/caregiver securely logs into the site and self-reports symptoms, distress, and pain using validated clinical tools. Results are reported to the patient's healthcare team and flares in symptom burden are flagged for clinical review. These frequent assessments allow for: (1) earlier intervention; (2) mobilization of auxiliary services; and (3) recommendation for emergency or palliative intake. Clinicians and nursing staff access patients' data through RELIEF and receive alerts for any sudden, unexpected, and large changes in symptom status, allowing for timely acute interventions or close passive monitoring, reducing patient stress through the knowledge that their healthcare provider is monitoring their symptoms.
In a small pilot study of RELIEF in just 20 patients, it was found that the patient compliance rate was \>80%, with 92% of clinicians reporting improved confidence in the care provided, and an estimated healthcare cost avoidance of over $20,000 per patient over several months was achieved.
Conditions
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Keywords
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Study Design
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NA
SINGLE_GROUP
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
NONE
Study Groups
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RELIEF Intervention Group
The RELIEF App will be implemented according to a standardized procedure at the six following sites, with 100 patients recruited at each site:
1. Home and Community Care Support Services Central West
2. Home and Community Care Support Services Central
3. Home and Community Care Support Services Champlain
4. Home and Community Care Support Services North East
5. Curve Lake First Nation (CLFN)
6. St. Mary's Hospital
The RELIEF App
RELIEF is a virtual app designed for the remote self-reporting of symptoms in patients with palliative care needs. The patient/caregiver securely logs into the site and self-reports symptoms, distress, and pain using the validated clinical tools ESAS-r, Distress Thermometer (DT), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) currently in daily use by healthcare providers across Canada.
This data is reported to the healthcare providers via RELIEF. Any increases in symptom burden, distress, or pain are flagged for clinical review as RELIEF alerts. Healthcare providers received alerts via secure email for any sudden changes in symptom status, or if the patient's symptoms, distress, or pain severity increases by set amounts over a period of time. Following review of the RELIEF alert by the healthcare providers, patients receive (1) earlier intervention; (2) mobilization of auxiliary services; and (3) recommendation for urgent clinic/home visit or emergency department visit.
Interventions
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The RELIEF App
RELIEF is a virtual app designed for the remote self-reporting of symptoms in patients with palliative care needs. The patient/caregiver securely logs into the site and self-reports symptoms, distress, and pain using the validated clinical tools ESAS-r, Distress Thermometer (DT), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) currently in daily use by healthcare providers across Canada.
This data is reported to the healthcare providers via RELIEF. Any increases in symptom burden, distress, or pain are flagged for clinical review as RELIEF alerts. Healthcare providers received alerts via secure email for any sudden changes in symptom status, or if the patient's symptoms, distress, or pain severity increases by set amounts over a period of time. Following review of the RELIEF alert by the healthcare providers, patients receive (1) earlier intervention; (2) mobilization of auxiliary services; and (3) recommendation for urgent clinic/home visit or emergency department visit.
Other Intervention Names
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
2. Any life-limiting diagnosis (including non-cancer diagnoses)
3. Score of 40% or above on the Palliative Performance Scale
4. Able to communicate in English or French
5. Have access to the internet
6. Are comfortable learning to use RELIEF for remote symptom self-reporting OR have a caregiver who is comfortable learning to use RELIEF and regularly reporting the patient's symptoms
Exclusion Criteria
2. A patient with low technology literacy
ALL
No
Sponsors
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Humber River Hospital
OTHER
The Ottawa Hospital
OTHER
Bruyère Health Research Institute.
OTHER
University of Ottawa
OTHER
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
OTHER
University of Toronto
OTHER
Queen's University
OTHER
McMaster University
OTHER
William Osler Health System
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Principal Investigators
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Martin R Chasen, MBChB, MPhil
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
William Osler Health System
Central Contacts
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References
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Related Links
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Cancer Care Ontario Symptom Assessment Tools
Questions \& Answers (Q\&A), Instructions \& Definitions for Use of Palliative Performance Scale
The Golds Standard Framework
Platform where online surveys will be completed
Phase 3 CFIR interviews informed by these guidelines
Other Identifiers
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3525
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id