Starlight Therapy in Palliative Care

Launched by NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH AUTHORITY · Oct 22, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Starlight Therapy in Palliative Care trial is studying a new treatment called Starlight Therapy™ to help manage symptoms like anxiety and restlessness in patients who are nearing the end of life. The goal is to see if this therapy can effectively reduce anxiety and lessen the need for additional medications that are taken only when needed. Researchers think that this therapy may work by affecting certain cells in the eye that send signals to the brain's emotional center.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be experiencing at least one of the following symptoms: insomnia (trouble sleeping), anxiety, restlessness, difficulty breathing, or pain. However, those with a clinical diagnosis of blindness or who do not have any of the listed symptoms will not be eligible. If you meet the criteria and decide to join, you can expect to engage in a study that explores how light therapy might improve your comfort during this challenging time. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, so there will be more information available soon if you or a loved one is interested.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• 1. ESAS indicates at least one of the following symptoms:
• • Insomnia
• • Anxiety
• • Restlessness
• • Dyspnea
• • Pain
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Clinical Diagnosis of blindness
• 2. ESAS does not include any of the flowing symptoms:
• • Insomnia
• • Anxiety
• • Restlessness
• • Dyspnea
• • Pain