Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Midazolam and mORPHine to alleviate symptoms at the End of life in patients on acUte geriatric wardS (MORPHEUS study)

The MORPHEUS study is investigating the use of two common medicines, morphine and midazolam, to help older patients in their very last days of life feel more comfortable on hospital wards. This important research aims to understand the best ways to use these medicines. Doctors and nurses will be carefully tracking the amount of medicine given, how and when it's administered, and how well it helps control uncomfortable symptoms like pain, breathlessness, and agitation. They will also be looking out for any side effects, such as feeling sick, confused, or needing help with breathing. The goal is to gather more information to ensure patients receive the best possible care and support during this sensitive time.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

UZ Leuven

Enrolment target

300

Start

20 Jan 2025

Symptom treatment in the last days of life of geriatric patients

What is this study about?

When someone is nearing the end of their life, especially older patients in hospital, it's very important to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. This means helping to manage any difficult symptoms like pain, feeling breathless, or being very restless. The MORPHEUS study is focused on understanding how two commonly used medications, morphine and midazolam, can best help with these symptoms. They are looking closely at how much medicine is given, when it's given, and how it gets into the body (for example, by injection).

The main aim of this study is to see how well these medicines work to make patients more comfortable. Doctors and nurses will be using special scales to check things like how much discomfort a patient feels, if they are restless or calmer, and if their breathing is easier. They will also be carefully monitoring for any unwanted effects that might occur, such as feeling sick, being confused, or having changes in breathing. We sometimes call these 'side effects'.

By gathering all this information, the study hopes to give healthcare professionals clearer guidance on how to use morphine and midazolam most effectively for older patients at the end of life. This research is about making sure that care at this sensitive time is as kind and effective as it can be, helping patients to be as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

Key takeaways

The study helps doctors understand how best to keep older patients comfortable at the very end of their life.
It focuses on carefully using standard medicines: morphine and midazolam.
The goal is to manage symptoms like pain, breathlessness, and restlessness effectively.
Doctors will closely monitor medicine doses, how they're given, and any side effects.
This research aims to improve compassionate care for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for very specific types of patients. It's designed for older people who are on an acute geriatric ward in a hospital and are sadly in the very last days of their life.

There are no specific age limits; if a patient fits the description of being an older person in their final days of life on a geriatric ward, they can be considered. Both men and women can take part if they meet these criteria.

Because this study is about helping people at a very sensitive time, the doctors and nurses involved will decide if it's right for a patient to be included, always putting the patient's comfort and dignity first.

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.

Is the patient an older person?
Is the patient currently on an acute geriatric ward in hospital?
Is the patient sadly in their very last days of life?
Is symptom management, such as for pain or breathlessness, a priority for their comfort?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a patient is considered for this study, it's important to understand what's involved. This study is less about 'taking part' in the traditional sense of appointments and extra tests, and more about carefully recording and monitoring the care a patient is already receiving.

There are no extra visits or special assessments beyond standard hospital care. The doctors and nurses would simply be meticulously recording details about the morphine and midazolam a patient is given – like the dose, when it's given, and how it's given (for example, as an injection). They would also use special comfort scales to note how well symptoms like pain or breathlessness are being managed, and closely watch for any side effects like feeling sick or being confused. This detailed record-keeping would continue for as long as the patient requires the medication in their final days.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is that it helps healthcare professionals learn more about how to best use medicines like morphine and midazolam to keep patients comfortable at the end of life. This could lead to better care for other patients in the future. As these medicines are already part of standard care, the study mostly involves carefully recording their effects rather than introducing new or untested treatments. However, like all medicines, morphine and midazolam can have side effects, which will be closely monitored. Patients or their families always have the right to discuss concerns with the medical team and can decide to stop being part of the study at any time without it affecting the care they receive.

Locations (1)

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

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Unverified
Belgium

Common questions

What is the purpose of the MORPHEUS study?

The study aims to understand how to best use morphine and midazolam to make older patients as comfortable as possible in their last days on a hospital ward.

What medicines are involved in this study?

The study focuses on two common medicines: morphine and midazolam, which are used to help manage symptoms like pain and agitation.

Will new medicines be given?

No, the study looks at how medicines already used in standard care (morphine and midazolam) are given and their effects, rather than new or experimental drugs.

What kind of patients can take part?

It's for older patients on acute geriatric wards who are sadly in their very last days of life, to help manage their symptoms and comfort.

Will taking part involve extra discomfort for the patient?

No, the study focuses on observing and recording the care a patient is already receiving, with the aim of ensuring their comfort, not causing further discomfort.