Time Limited Trials in Serious Illness

Puneeta Khurana, Rachael Diamond, Caroline Quill, Robert Holloway, Timothy Quill

Abstract


Abstract:

Time limited trials (TLTs) can serve as an important tool for physicians as well as patients and family members to navigate complex medical decisions especially toward the end of life. It can be difficult to determine when and how a TLT would be appropriate in certain cases. We provide a framework for accomplishing this task using the following three steps 1) define the invasiveness and intensity of the intervention; 2) identify the purpose of the trial; and 3) understand the trial’s potential impact on health outcomes and the odds of achieving the desired outcome. When applied using this framework, TLTs can help clarify goals and augment patient directed care.

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References


References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18103/imr.v3i8.536

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