Trial Parameters
Brief 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).
Eligibility Criteria
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)