This feasibility cluster-controlled randomized trial (RCT) evaluates a complex intervention for the delivery of primary palliative care in Family Health Units (FHUs). The intervention consists of training General Practitioners (GPs) in palliative care through a 30 hour e-learning program and implementing a structured consultation model (4 consultations over 12 weeks) for adult patients with advanced chronic illness. One FHU will receive the intervention and one FHU will follow usual care. The primary goal is to assess feasibility metrics (GP adherence, patient recruitment rate, and patient retention rate), which will inform the design of a subsequent full-scale cluster RCT.
Aged 18 years or older.
Enrolled as a patient on the list of a recruited General Practitioner in one of the participating Family Health Units.
Advanced-stage neoplasm (metastatic/stage IV cancer);
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - GOLD classification III or IV;
Refusal to provide informed consent or to participate in the study at any point.
Disease severity requiring urgent medical intervention (acute crisis/emergency care need at time of recruitment).
University of Coimbra
Lead sponsor
Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, EPE
Collaborator