A Mouth Education Program for Dry Mouth

Launched by LEIDEN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Jul 27, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program called the Mouth Educational Program (MEP), which aims to help patients experiencing dry mouth, especially those with serious health conditions or frailty. The trial will see if this nurse-led education can effectively reduce complaints of dry mouth by teaching patients about its causes and providing personalized treatment plans based on the latest guidelines. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the MEP, while the other will continue with standard care.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 18 years old, have a life-limiting condition or frailty, and report a significant level of dry mouth. Participants will complete questionnaires to share their experiences and, if in the intervention group, they will take part in the MEP sessions. It's important to note that individuals with a very short life expectancy or certain medical histories may not qualify for the study. Overall, this trial aims to provide more support for patients struggling with dry mouth, helping improve their comfort and quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 years or older;
• • life-limiting condition or frailty (definition from Kwaliteitskader Palliatieve Zorg Nederland (IKNL/Palliactief, 2017)),
• • experience the complaint dry mouth ≥ 5 on an 11 point numerical rating scale (ranging from 0=no dry mouth to 10=worst dry mouth ever);
• • fulfil the Surprise Question (SQ): 'Would I be surprised if my patient dies within the year? (no)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • life expectancy less than 4 weeks;
• • previous medical history of radiotherapy to the salivary glands or Sjogren's syndrome;
• • a cognitive inability to understand and participate in an educational program (assessed by a member of the regular care team, either doctor or nurse)