Oral Health in Palliative Care: A Survey Study
This study wants to understand how important mouth health is for people having comfort care, also known as palliative care. Often, problems like dry mouth or infections can make life much harder for these patients. The study will ask patients receiving palliative care about their mouth health, how it affects their daily life, and if they can easily see a dentist. It also asks nurses and doctors who work in palliative care about their knowledge of mouth problems and how they currently help patients with these issues. The main goal is to find ways to make sure everyone receiving palliative care gets the best possible mouth care to improve their well-being.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is receiving comfort care, sometimes called palliative care, the aim is to make them as comfortable as possible and improve their quality of life. An important, but sometimes overlooked, part of this is looking after their mouth health. Many people in palliative care experience problems like a very dry mouth, sores, or infections, often because of their illness, treatments, or medicines. These issues can make it hard to eat, talk, and generally feel well.
This study is trying to understand more about how these mouth problems affect people in palliative care in Germany. We want to hear directly from patients about their experiences, how their mouth health impacts their daily life, and whether they can easily get dental help if they need it. We also want to ask the nurses and doctors who care for these patients about what they know about mouth health, what they currently do to help, and how often they work with dentists.
By gathering information from both patients and healthcare workers, this study hopes to find out where the gaps are in current care. The idea is to use this knowledge to help improve the way mouth care is provided in palliative settings, making sure that dental experts are more involved and that patients get the support they need to maintain good mouth health, which can significantly improve their overall comfort and well-being.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to understand the importance of mouth health in palliative care.
- It involves asking both patients and healthcare professionals about their experiences.
- The goal is to improve mouth care for people receiving comfort care.
- Participation involves filling out a simple questionnaire.
- All information shared will be kept private and confidential.
- There are no medical treatments or changes to your care involved.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 years and older. We are looking for two main groups of people to take part.
Firstly, we want to hear from people who are currently receiving palliative care. To join, you need to be able to understand what the study is about and give your permission to take part. You also need to be well enough to fill out a questionnaire by yourself, or with a little help.
Secondly, we are inviting healthcare professionals (like doctors and nurses) who are members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine to share their insights. Like the patients, these professionals also need to be able to understand the study and agree to participate. Unfortunately, if you are under 18, or if you are unable or unwilling to give your consent, you wouldn't be able to join this study.
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 palliative (comfort) care?
- Do you feel well enough to answer some questions?
- Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, what you do depends on whether you are a patient or a healthcare professional.
If you are a patient, you will be invited to fill out a paper questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask you about the health of your mouth, any problems you might have, how it affects your daily life, and if you've been able to see a dentist when needed. A member of the study team will approach you directly to see if you'd like to take part. Your answers will be kept private, meaning your name won't be linked to them.
If you are a healthcare professional, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire. This will be sent to members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine via email and newsletters. It will ask about your knowledge of mouth health, how you deal with mouth problems in your patients, and how often you work with dentists. No follow-up visits or medication are involved for either group, and the time commitment is limited to completing the questionnaire.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Medical Center GoettingenVerified postcodeGöttingen, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is comfort care aimed at improving the quality of life for people and their families facing serious illness, rather than treating the illness itself.
What kind of mouth problems are common in palliative care?
Common problems include dry mouth, mouth infections like thrush, soreness inside the mouth, and pain, which can all make eating and speaking difficult.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, all your answers will be kept private and your name or any identifying details will not be linked to them. For patients, the questionnaire is 'pseudonymized', meaning your identity is protected.
How long will it take to fill out the questionnaire?
The study description doesn't specify an exact time, but typically these types of questionnaires are designed to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, probably less than an hour.
Will taking part affect my medical care?
No, deciding whether or not to take part or withdrawing from the study will have no impact whatsoever on the medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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