ACP-Family Programme for Palliative Care Patients and Their Family Member

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jun 29, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ACP-Family Programme is a clinical trial designed to help palliative care patients and their family members make important decisions about end-of-life care. The study aims to find out if a structured, family-supported approach to advance care planning (ACP) can improve decision-making and emotional well-being compared to usual care. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the new ACP-Family support, while the other will continue with standard palliative care. Researchers will compare the experiences of both groups to see if the new program leads to better outcomes.

To be eligible for this trial, patients must be at least 18 years old, receiving palliative care in the participating hospitals, able to communicate in Cantonese, and mentally capable of making decisions. Family members who are nominated by the patient and can also communicate in Cantonese can participate as well. It’s important to note that individuals currently discussing advance care planning with healthcare professionals are not eligible for the study. Participants can expect to engage in supportive discussions that help them and their families navigate important health care choices during challenging times.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Patient:
• • aged ≥ 18,
• • receiving palliative care at the study hospitals,
• • able to communicate in Cantonese, and
• • cognitively intact (Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) score ≥ 7)13 at the time of recruitment
• Family member:
• • aged≥ 18
• • able to communicate in Cantonese, and
• • nominated by the patient who is likely to make substituted decisions for the patient in future health care issues.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • are engaging in ACP discussion with healthcare professionals in the hospital at the time of recruitment.