Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

IMPULS-NRW: Telemedicine in Specialized Outpatient Palliative Care

The IMPULS-NRW study is exploring how digital tools, such as an app and a special website, can support people receiving palliative care in their own homes. Palliative care helps people with serious illnesses feel as comfortable as possible. This study aims to find out if these digital tools are easy to use for patients, their families, and professional carers, and if they make a positive difference to their care experience. Participants will use these tools to track symptoms, vital signs, and share their experiences. Researchers will also talk to people and test the tools to understand their needs. The main goal is to improve digital support in palliative care and help it become a standard part of care for people in the UK.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Muenster

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

End of Life Palliative Patients Outpatient Treatment

What is this study about?

This study, called IMPULS-NRW, is all about making life easier for people who are receiving specialized palliative care at home. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and support for people with serious illnesses, helping them live as well as possible.

The researchers want to see if using digital tools, like a special website and a phone app, can make a real difference. These tools would allow patients, their family carers, and professional healthcare workers to easily keep track of important information, such as how symptoms are changing, key health measurements like blood pressure or heart rate, and thoughts about their care. This information can then be shared quickly with their care team, helping everyone stay connected and informed.

Beyond just using the app, the study also involves talking to patients, families, and carers through interviews and group discussions. This helps the team understand what people really need and how these digital tools can be made even better and more helpful in the future. The ultimate aim is to improve the quality of care and make digital support a normal and helpful part of palliative care services.

Key takeaways

This study explores digital tools for home palliative care.
It aims to improve comfort, communication, and support.
Participants use an app and website to track health and share experiences.
Your feedback helps shape better future care.
Participation is voluntary and won't affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You must be receiving specialized palliative care at home from one of the care teams involved in the study. This includes people who are new to this type of care or who have been receiving it for a while, as long as your care team thinks the study is right for you.

There are also a few reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are under 18 or if you have difficulty speaking or understanding that can't be easily helped by a family member or interpreter. Also, if you have trouble understanding things or making decisions, or if your doctors think you might not be able to give your full consent, then you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently receiving specialized palliative care at home?
Can you understand and sign a consent form?
Do you have a clear understanding of your current situation?
Can you communicate clearly in English, or can someone reliably help you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you and your carers will use a special website and a phone app. You'll use these tools to regularly record how you're feeling, any symptoms you have, and some basic health measurements like your heart rate or temperature. You'll also be asked to share your experiences with using the tools and receiving care.

Some parts of the study might involve talking to researchers in interviews or group discussions to share your thoughts and feedback. There might also be tests to see how easy the digital tools are to use. The study doesn't involve any new medicines or extra medical appointments beyond your usual palliative care. The total duration of your participation will depend on your care pathway, but you can stop using the tools or withdraw from the study at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as having a new way to communicate with your care team and track your health, which could help your care feel more coordinated. Your feedback could also help improve digital tools for many others receiving palliative care in the future. There are very few direct risks; primarily, it might take a little extra time to use the app or website, and you'll be sharing information about your health. All your personal information will be kept private and handled carefully. Remember, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Muenster
Verified postcode
Münster, Germany

Common questions

What is palliative care?

Palliative care helps people with serious illnesses feel comfortable and have the best possible quality of life. It focuses on easing symptoms and providing support to both patients and their families.

What kind of digital tools will I use?

You'll use a special website and a phone app. These are designed to help you and your carers track symptoms, vital signs, and share your experiences with your care team.

Do I need to be good with technology?

The study aims to make these tools easy to use. Researchers will also be gathering feedback to make them even simpler. Support will likely be available if you need help getting started.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal and health information will be kept strictly confidential and handled with great care in line with privacy regulations.

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Absolutely. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting the care you receive.