Jumpstart Guide for Dementia Care Planning
(PICSI-M Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to enhance communication between doctors, patients with memory issues, and their families. It tests a "Jumpstart Guide" designed to assist doctors in discussing the patient's healthcare goals. Patients will be divided into two groups: one where doctors use the guide and one where they do not, to determine if the guide improves conversations. Individuals with memory problems receiving outpatient care at UW Medicine clinics may qualify if their medical records document Alzheimer's or dementia. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for patients to help improve healthcare communication strategies.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on improving communication rather than changing medication regimens.
What prior data suggests that the Jumpstart Guide is safe for improving communication in dementia care planning?
Research shows that the Jumpstart Guide improves communication between doctors, patients with memory problems, and their families. As a tool rather than a medicine or medical procedure, it poses no physical health risks.
In past studies, researchers adjusted the Jumpstart Guide to better meet the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. Doctors provided positive feedback, noting that it facilitates easier and more effective conversations about healthcare goals.
Since it is a communication aid and not a medical treatment, there are no reports of negative effects. It serves as a safe and helpful tool to enhance the quality of discussions and care planning.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Jumpstart Guide for dementia care planning because it offers a fresh approach to managing care discussions. Unlike traditional methods that may not consistently address important documentation and care goals, the Jumpstart Guide uses automated methods to summarize key documents like POLST forms, advance directives, and DPOA documentation. Additionally, it provides practical tips for clinicians to facilitate meaningful discussions about care goals with patients and their families. This innovative approach aims to streamline and improve the planning process, potentially leading to more personalized and effective care for individuals with dementia.
What evidence suggests that the Jumpstart Guide is effective for improving dementia care planning?
Studies have shown that the Jumpstart Guide, tested in this trial, improves communication about healthcare goals. Participants may receive the Jumpstart Guide, which research indicates leads to more recorded discussions about care goals in patients' electronic health records. When healthcare providers use the guide, they are more likely to have important conversations with patients about their healthcare wishes. By offering tips and summaries of important documents like advance directives, the guide simplifies these discussions. This can be especially helpful for patients with memory problems and their families.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Erin Kross, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients aged 55+ with memory issues and chronic conditions like cancer, heart failure, or diabetes. It's also for their caregivers who are involved in their care. Participants must speak English and be treated at a UW Medicine clinic. Clinicians from UW Medicine caring for these patients can join too.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Randomization and Intervention Preparation
Patients are randomized to either the Jumpstart intervention or usual care. For those in the intervention arm, a Jumpstart Guide is created using EHR data.
Intervention Delivery
Jumpstart Guides are delivered to clinicians 1-2 days before the patient's target visit to facilitate goals-of-care discussions.
Survey Follow-up
Patients and family members complete surveys at 1, 3, and 12 months after the target visit to assess outcomes such as palliative care needs and psychological symptoms.
Qualitative Interviews
At the end of the follow-up period, intervention patients and family members are invited to participate in interviews to evaluate the intervention.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Jumpstart Guide
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator