RecruitingObservational

Early identification of patients with palliative care needs

This study is about a new computer program called HOMR Now!. It's designed to help doctors in hospitals find patients more easily who might benefit from special supportive care, often called palliative care, in the coming year. Sometimes, people nearing the end of their lives get this support quite late. This tool aims to help start those important conversations earlier. Researchers are checking how well the tool works by looking at past patient records. They are also talking to patients, their families, and hospital staff in focus groups to get their thoughts on using such a tool. The study hopes to improve how care is given, so people get the right support at the right time, aiming to improve their quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

05 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Identification of patients who may need palliative care assessment or intervention following admission to an acute hospital.

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new computer tool called HOMR Now!. Its main purpose is to help doctors in hospitals identify patients who might be at a higher risk of becoming very ill or dying within the next year. Often, people approaching the end of their lives receive information and support about their care options quite late in their illness. This tool aims to change that by helping healthcare professionals recognise these situations earlier.

By using the HOMR Now! tool, the study hopes to start important conversations about a person's care wishes and preferences at a more helpful time. This could mean that people receive the right kind of support when they need it, leading to a better quality of life in their final year. For example, it could help ensure someone gets specific treatments that focus on comfort and well-being, or help them plan for future care decisions.

It's important to know that this study is currently just testing how well the tool works. It won't directly change anyone's current treatment or care. The researchers are first making sure the tool is accurate and helpful. They are also seeking the opinions of patients, their families, and healthcare workers to understand if a tool like HOMR Now! would be welcome and how it could be best used in the future.

Key takeaways

The study tests a computer tool (HOMR Now!) to identify hospital patients who might need supportive care sooner.
It aims to start important care conversations earlier to improve patients' quality of life.
Participation involves joining a group discussion (focus group) to share your views.
There are no direct benefits to participants, but it could improve future patient care.
The study won't affect anyone's current medical treatment.
You can take part if you've been a patient or supported one in hospital in the last 10 years, and are over 18.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older and have either been a patient in a hospital in the last 10 years, or you have supported a friend or family member who was in hospital during that time. You could also be a healthcare professional working in one of the specific hospitals where the study is taking place.

However, you won't be able to join if you are under 18 years old. Also, if you don't have the mental capacity to understand and agree to take part in the study, unfortunately, you wouldn't be eligible.

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?
Have you been a patient in a UK hospital in the last 10 years?
Have you supported a friend or family member in a UK hospital in the last 10 years?
Are you a healthcare professional working in an acute hospital setting where the study is taking place?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you would be invited to join a focus group. This is a small group discussion with other people who have similar experiences. The researchers will ask for your thoughts and opinions on a tool like HOMR Now! and how it might be used. These discussions will happen at specific NHS hospitals in Bolton, Salford, or Wigan. You won't be given any new medication, have any medical tests, or need to come back for follow-up appointments. The entire study is expected to finish by the end of December 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits for individual participants taking part in this study. However, by sharing your experiences and opinions, you will help researchers understand if a tool like HOMR Now! is acceptable and useful. This could lead to better care for patients and their families in the future. Because the discussions might cover sensitive topics, some people could feel a little uncomfortable or distressed. If this happens, the researchers will stop the discussion and offer support, and they can also put you in touch with other helpful services. Remember, you never have to answer any questions that make you uncomfortable, and you are free to stop participating at any time.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Salford, England
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Unverified
Wigan, England
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Bolton, England

Common questions

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is supportive care that aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing serious illness, by relieving symptoms and stress.

Will this tool affect my current medical treatment?

No, this study is just testing the tool. It won't change your current treatment or care in any way if you are a patient now.

How long will the focus group take?

The exact length isn't specified, but focus group discussions are usually a few hours long.

Who is paying for this study?

The study has received funding from a group called the Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Network (palliative care).

Can I withdraw from the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any point without explanation.

How to find out more

Tim Jackson

tim.jackson@nca.nhs.uk +44 0161 206 4609 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.