Conducting research in palliative care: finding the best way forward - Cluster randomisation or randomised consent as an appropriate methodology for trials in palliative care: a feasibility study

ISRCTN ISRCTN60243484
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN60243484
Secondary identifying numbers N/A
Submission date
03/02/2004
Registration date
25/02/2004
Last edited
05/07/2018
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Other
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Contact information

Dr Andrew Fowell
Scientific

Palliative Care Department
Bodfan
Eryri Hospital
Caernarfon
LL55 2YE
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1286 662775
Email andrew.fowell@nww-tr.wales.nhs.uk

Study information

Study designRandomised controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Other
Study typeDiagnostic
Scientific titleConducting research in palliative care: finding the best way forward - Cluster randomisation or randomised consent as an appropriate methodology for trials in palliative care: a feasibility study
Study acronymPEACE
Study objectivesNot provided at time of registration
Ethics approval(s)Ethical approval for this feasibility study was granted by the North Wales Health Authority Research Committee (West, Central and East sub-committees).
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedPalliative care
InterventionNot prescribing an anti-emetic as standard treatment on commencement of a syringe driver unless patient is symptomatic.

The study utilises a crossover design and is taking place at two sites within the North West Wales NHS Trust.

One site has been independently randomised (by the University of Wales Bangor) to a cluster randomised method for three months. All dying patients in that cluster will not receive an anti-emetic on commencement of a syringe driver. If the patient becomes nauseous or vomits an anti-emetic will be available and administered immediately. Patients falling into this category will form a sub-group. Patients in the cluster site are unaware that the study is taking place, consent to participate is given by the cluster gatekeeper in this case the ward sister, who also has the right if she wishes to withdraw her cluster from the study.

The second site participating in the study have been allocated to use the randomised consent or Zelen method for a period of three months. In this condition patients are approached for consent after randomisation has taken place. Randomisation is being undertaken by the University of Wales Bangor. When a patient is in the last days of life and about to start on a syringe driver and they are asymptomatic a phone call is made to the University and randomisation occurs. Either they are allocated to receive an anti-emetic (Standard Treatment) or not. If they are in the non-standard group then they are approached for their informed consent. Again any patients that are in the non-standard group that become symptomatic will immediately receive medication and their data allocated to the sub-group of the study.

After the three month period the two sites will receive a short de-briefing and then "swap" or cross over the two methods.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measureNot provided at time of registration
Secondary outcome measuresNot provided at time of registration
Overall study start date01/12/2004
Completion date01/05/2005

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupNot Specified
SexNot Specified
Target number of participantsNot provided at time of registration
Key inclusion criteriaAll patients identified as dying and being cared for on an Integrated Care Pathway at two sites within the Trust who are about to commence syringe driver delivered medication.
Key exclusion criteriaNot provided at time of registration
Date of first enrolment01/12/2004
Date of final enrolment01/05/2005

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • United Kingdom
  • Wales

Study participating centre

Palliative Care Department
Caernarfon
LL55 2YE
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

North West Wales NHS Trust (UK)
Hospital/treatment centre

Penrhosgarnedd
Bangor
LL57 2PW
Wales
United Kingdom

ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/04a496k07

Funders

Funder type

Government

North West Wales NHS Trust Research and Development Fund (UK)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Protocol article protocol 27/04/2004 Yes No
Results article results 01/12/2006 Yes No

Editorial Notes

05/07/2018: Publication reference added