Oral Health in Palliative Care: A Survey Study

NCT07324525 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 24/12/25
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 151
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Oral health problems such as xerostomia or oral infections are common in palliative care patients and can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate dental care may contribute substantially to symptom control and well-being; however, oral health and dental services are often insufficiently integrated into palliative care practice. In addition, little is known about the level of awareness, knowledge, and interprofessional collaboration regarding oral health among palliative care professionals. This prospective, non-interventional survey study aims to assess the relevance of oral health in palliative care by surveying both palliative care patients and healthcare professionals who are members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine. The study investigates patients' oral health status, oral health-related quality of life, and access to dental care, as well as professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and current practices related to oral health and dental care in palliative settings. The findings are intended to identify existing gaps and inform strategies for improved integration of dental expertise into palliative care.

Conditions

Oral Health Care; Oral Health-Related Quality of Life; Palliative Care; Palliative Care, Patient Care

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• The prevalence (%) of oral mucositis among patients receiving palliative care

  At baseline (single cross-sectional assessment)

• The percentage (%) of German Society for Palliative Medicine members reporting insufficient knowledge regarding dental care in palliative settings.

  At baseline (single cross-sectional assessment)

Study Arms (2)

Patients in palliative care

Patients receiving palliative care at the Department of Palliative Medicine of University Medical Center Göttingen

Members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine

Members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine, including healthcare professionals involved in palliative care across various disciplines

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population includes adult, consent-capable patients receiving palliative care at the Palliative Care Department of University Medical Center Göttingen, as well as consent-capable members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine (DGP). Patients are under the care of the palliative team at the clinic, and DGP members represent healthcare professionals involved in palliative care across various disciplines in Germany.

You may qualify if:

• consent-capable patients receiving palliative care
• patients whose health status allows completion of a questionnaire
• consent-capable members of the German Society for Palliative Medicine

You may not qualify if:

• Participants under 18 years of age
• Individuals who are unable or unwilling to provide informed consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Medical Center Goettingen: lead

Study Sites (1)

University Medical Center Goettingen

Göttingen, Germany, 37075, Germany

RECRUITING

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Senior Physician

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 17, 2025
• First Posted: January 7, 2026
• Study Start: February 24, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 1, 2026
• Study Completion: June 1, 2026
• Last Updated: February 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

DE (1)