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Resuscitation Preference Discussion for Severe Illness (CHART Trial)

Phase 2 & 3
Waitlist Available
Led By Renee Stapleton, MD PhD
Research Sponsored by University of Vermont
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Severe functional impairment defined as dependence with >4 activities of daily living (ADLs) on Katz Index of Independence in ADLs.
>65 years old
Must not have
Unable to provide informed consent
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 3 months and 6 months post-randomization

Summary

This trial looks at whether it's better to have a conversation with a seriously ill hospitalized patient about whether or not they want cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or to just go with the usual care.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for English-speaking individuals over 65 with serious illnesses like advanced cancer, COPD needing oxygen, severe heart failure, late-stage cirrhosis or kidney disease requiring dialysis (if they're over 75), advanced lung diseases, or those highly dependent in daily activities. They must have a life expectancy under two years and be able to give consent.
What is being tested?
The study compares an 'informed assent' method of discussing resuscitation options with the usual care given to seriously ill older patients in hospitals. It involves 200 patients and their families across multiple centers to see if this approach improves communication.
What are the potential side effects?
Since this trial focuses on communication methods rather than medical treatments, there are no direct physical side effects. However, discussions about end-of-life care can be emotionally impactful for patients and their families.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I need help with more than four daily activities.
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I am older than 65.
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I have a chronic illness with a life expectancy of less than 2 years.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I am unable to understand and give consent for treatment.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~3 months and 6 months post-randomization
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 3 months and 6 months post-randomization for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Secondary study objectives
5-question communication domain of the CANHELP Questionnaire, slightly modified to focus on communication about cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Cost of health care after initial hospitalization
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Survey (HADS)
+1 more

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants (n= approximately 100 plus family members) who are randomized to the intervention arm of the study will participate in a discussion about CPR with a study doctor.
Group II: Usual Care with Attention ControlPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Participants (n= approximately 100 plus family members) who are randomized to the usual care arm will receive a friendly visit in the hospital from research personnel to ask if they have any questions or concerns. Follow up assessments and time windows will be explained. Importance of their participation in the study will be emphasized.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of VermontLead Sponsor
276 Previous Clinical Trials
3,743,904 Total Patients Enrolled
University of WashingtonOTHER
1,812 Previous Clinical Trials
1,913,605 Total Patients Enrolled
Medical University of South CarolinaOTHER
968 Previous Clinical Trials
7,399,518 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Informed Assent Discussion Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT02984124 — Phase 2 & 3
Kidney Failure Research Study Groups: Intervention, Usual Care with Attention Control
Kidney Failure Clinical Trial 2023: Informed Assent Discussion Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT02984124 — Phase 2 & 3
Informed Assent Discussion 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT02984124 — Phase 2 & 3
~20 spots leftby Nov 2025