Palliative Care, Patient Care

Oral health problems such as xerostomia or oral infections are common in palliative care patients and can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate dental care may contribute substantially to symptom control and well-being; however, oral health and dental services are often insufficiently integrated into palliative care practice. In addition, little is known about the level of awareness, knowledge, and interprofessional collaboration regarding oral health among palliative care professionals. This prospective, non-interventional survey study aims to assess the relevance of oral health in palliative care by surveying both palliative care patients and healthcare professionals who are members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine. The study investigates patients' oral health status, oral health-related quality of life, and access to dental care, as well as professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and current practices related to oral health and dental care in palliative settings. The findings are intended to identify existing gaps and inform strategies for improved integration of dental expertise into palliative care.

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of two models of early palliative care delivery for adults with cancer: virtual care provided through scheduled video consultations and standard in-person clinic visits. Early palliative care aims to improve quality of life, manage symptoms, and support patients and families throughout the course of serious illness. Although in-person services are well established, access barriers may limit their use, and virtual care may offer a feasible alternative. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either virtual early palliative care or in-person early palliative care. Both models include structured assessments of physical and psychological symptoms, communication and decision-making support, and routine follow-up with a palliative care specialist. Outcomes are assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary and secondary outcomes include quality of life, symptom burden, psychological distress, patient satisfaction, and healthcare utilization. The purpose of the study is to determine whether virtual early palliative care delivers outcomes comparable to those of traditional in-person care. The results may inform future models of palliative care delivery by identifying approaches that improve accessibility while maintaining high-quality patient support.

The EPIC project aims at sustainably improving palliative care for seriously ill patients and their families in ICUs. To this aim, an interdisciplinary consortium is working together to provide a new practical palliative care model using telemedicine. The project is the first European intervention study on palliative care in the ICU using a systems- based approach with proactive patient identification, checklist and blended learning designed to meet the specific needs of ICU staff. EPIC's vision is to contribute to a change in awareness from a narrow focus on prolonging life to a more holistic approach to care. The development of blended learning for intensive care staff is the task of Work Package (WP) 3. The aim is to improve the attitude, understanding and self-confidence of ICU staff. Blended learning is to be developed and implemented for this purpose. The aim is to teach the basics of palliative care on a cognitive, affective and psychomotor level. Due to the international character of the project, it is to be developed in English with subtitles in the local languages. In addition a workshop with patient and family advisors will be conducted.