ER program helps patients talk about end-of-life wishes

NCT ID NCT05209880

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested a program called ED GOAL that helps older adults with serious illnesses like heart failure or cancer discuss their end-of-life wishes with doctors and family, starting in the emergency department. Researchers enrolled 141 patients and measured whether the program increased advance care planning engagement one month later. The goal is to help patients get care that matches their values.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ED GOAL behavioral intervention

What this could lead to

If successful, this program could help more seriously ill patients have their end-of-life wishes respected and reduce unwanted medical treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 141 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The program relies on patient willingness to discuss difficult topics.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease congestive heart failure end stage renal failure heart failure metastatic malignant neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States