A Mouth Education Program for Dry Mouth (NCT05964959) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Mouth Education Program for Dry Mouth
Netherlands70 participantsStarted 2023-06-15
Plain-language summary
The goal of this cluster based intervention trial is to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led patient education program on dry mouth in patients with a life-limiting condition or frailty.
The Mouth Educational Program (MEP) is a nurse-led patient education program, in which trained nurses use current clinical, palliative dry mouth guidelines in a structured manner to discuss causes, consequences and interventions with the patients and to create an appropriate treatment plan. This intervention will be compared to a control group receiving care as usual.
Therefore, the main question it aims to answer is:
Does a nurse-led patient education program reduce dry mouth complaints in patients with a life-limiting condition or frailty?
Participants will be asked to answer questionnaires and, when part of the intervention group, partake in the Mouth Educational Program (MEP).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 18 years or older;
* life-limiting condition or frailty (definition from Kwaliteitskader Palliatieve Zorg Nederland (IKNL/Palliactief, 2017)),
* experience the complaint dry mouth ≥ 5 on an 11 point numerical rating scale (ranging from 0=no dry mouth to 10=worst dry mouth ever);
* fulfil the Surprise Question (SQ): 'Would I be surprised if my patient dies within the year? (no)
Exclusion Criteria:
* life expectancy less than 4 weeks;
* previous medical history of radiotherapy to the salivary glands or Sjogren's syndrome;
* a cognitive inability to understand and participate in an educational program (assessed by a member of the regular care team, either doctor or nurse)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Percentage responders at week 4, as compared to baseline in both groups