EU PAL-COPD - A palliatív ellátás integrálására irányuló ICLEAR-EU beavatkozás értékelése az előrehaladott COPD-ben szenvedők és családtagjaikat ápoló személyek kezelésében

The EU PAL-COPD is the first large-scale international trial, which goal is to systematically integrate palliative care in the treatment routine of people with advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in different healthcare systems in Europe. The ambition of EU PAL-COPD is to improve end-of-life care and well-being of life for millions of COPD patients and their families. 

The EU PAL-COPD project, which is coordinated by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, launched on 1 January 2024, and will be implemented by 13 organisations from seven European countries. On behalf of Hungary the Medical School of University of Pécs, Institution of Primary Health Care, Department of Hospice-Palliative Care is participating in the programme.

Palliative care provides specialised support for people with life-threatening diseases and aims to improve the physical, mental, social, and existential well-being of patients and their families. Traditionally, it has been used in the care of cancer patients in Europe, but its benefits are increasingly being recognised for non-cancer diseases as well. The early use of palliative care for non-cancer diseases, including COPD, is limited in EU countries, despite the fact that COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide.

Through the implementation of a highly innovative non-pharmacological service model called ICLEAR-EU in different healthcare systems in Europe, the goal is to improve not only medical care and physical well-being, but also prioritise a patient-centred and family-centred approach with advance care planning and shared decision-making. 

The project will implement a clinical trial of the ICLEAR-EU intervention model between 2025 and 2027 in 18 hospitals in seven European countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland). Doctors and researchers from University of Pécs are involved developing protocols and coordinating clinical trials in their home countries. Clinical trials will take place at three sites in Hungary: National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology and Palliative Care Expertise, University of Pécs, Dept. of Pulmonology and Palliative Care Expertise, and Komló Hospital, Dept. of Pulmonology and Palliative Care Expertise.

Funded by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.