End of LifeIMPULS-NRWNCT07491679

IMPULS-NRW: Telemedicine in Specialized Outpatient Palliative Care

An observational study of End of Life and Palliative Patients, run by University Hospital Muenster at 1 site in Germany.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record

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Trial summary

Who is it for?: Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for: End of Life, Palliative Patients, Outpatient Treatment
What is being tested?: IMPULS-NRW
Type of treatment: Lifestyle or therapy programme
How many people: 150 participants
Where: 1 siteGermany
Study dates: 1 Dec 2025to Aug 2027
How long will I take part?: 19 Months
Phase: Observational
Are there results?: Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

Ages 18 years and older
All sexes
Healthy volunteers accepted
Adult, Older adult

Study population: The study population includes adult patients receiving Specialized Outpatient Palliative Care (SAPV) or Palliative Care Consultation (PKD) from participating tertiary hospitals in Münster, Essen and nearby locations, Germany. Participants comprise newly admitted patients as well as patients already in care when inclusion is deemed appropriate by the care team. The population also includes relatives who support or accompany the patient care, as well as professional healthcare providers involved in the patient's palliative care. All participants must be able to provide written informed consent or have consent proved by a legally authorized representative.

Who may be able to join

Adults (>18 years) receiving care from participating SAPV/PKD (Specialized Outpatient Palliative Care / Palliative Care Consultation teams)
Newly admitted patients or those already in care if study participation is deemed appropriate by the care team
Patients with a direct treatment context to the Central Palliative Care Unit (ZEP) of the University Hospital Muenster
Ability to provide written informed consent

Who cannot join

Minors (<18 years)
Individuals with language or communication barriers that cannot be reliably compensated by relatives or qualified interpreters
Impaired consciousness or reduced decision-making capacity

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Germany1 site

University Hospital Muenster
Münster, 48149

Other trials in Germany

About this study

Official title: Implementation of Telemedicine in Palliative Care in the Outpatient Sector of North Rhine-Westphalia (IMPULS-NRW)

This study examines the feasibility, user-friendliness, and impact of digital support in outpatient palliative care. Patients, relatives, and professional caregivers use the web-based ISPC platform (information system for Palliative Care) and an accompanying app to record symptom progression, vital signs, and care experiences. In addition, qualitative interviews, focus groups, and usability tests are conducted to analyze experiences, needs, and effects of digital innovations. The goal is to improve digital support in palliative care in a practical way, optimize patient care, and lay the foundation for sustainable integration into standard care.

Conditions: End of Life, Palliative Patients, Outpatient Treatment
Being tested: IMPULS-NRW
Keywords: Palliative care, Telemedicine
Medical subject headings: Death

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

IMPULS-NRWBehavioural
Participants (patients, relatives, and healthcare providers) will use the ISPC digital platform and its associated mobile application the IMPULS app to support Palliative Care. Patients can enter ePROMs and vital parameters, access medication plans, and receive relevant care information. Relatives may provide information on the patient's condition after consent. Healthcare providers access the web-based ISPC system to review patient data, plan interventions (phone calls, video visits, home visits), and document assessments and care measures. The intervention aims to improve care coordination, monitoring, and communication through digital support tools.

Study groups in NCT07491679
Study group	Role	What they receive
Patients		Individuals receiving Palliative Care and using the digital IMPULS App for symptom reporting in the form of electronic patient-reported outcomes ePROMs) and optional vital parameters monitoring. Receives: Behavioral: IMPULS-NRW
Caregivers/Relatives		Persons supporting patients in using the app or providing proxy data input with patient consent. Receives: Behavioral: IMPULS-NRW
Healthcare Professionals		Palliative Care nurses, physicians, and SAPV/PKD teams who review patient-reported data, plan interventions, and document care activities within the ISPC system. Receives: Behavioral: IMPULS-NRW

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

Symptom Burden (MIDOS-2)
Patient-reported assessment of symptom intensity (pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and psychological distress) using the Minimal Documentation System 2 (MIDOS-2).
Measured: Baseline (at enrollment) and then weekly until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Depressive Symptoms (PHQ-8)
Self-reported depressive symptoms measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8.
Measured: At baseline and after 3 months or upon clinical change; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Anxiety Symptoms (GAD-7)
Self-reported anxiety symptoms assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7.
Measured: At baseline and after 3 months or upon clinical change; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Health-Related Quality of Life (EQ-5D-3L)
Health-related quality of life assessed using the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L questionnaire that comprises an index score and a visual analogue scale.
Measured: Baseline (at enrollment) and then monthly until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Patient Satisfaction (ZUF-8)
Satisfaction with care and usability of the telemedicine intervention, assessed with the ZUF-8 questionnaire.
Measured: After 3 months of use or at end of participation; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Functional Status (Palliative Performance Scale, PPS)
Clinician-rated functional status including mobility, self-care, and intake using the Palliative Performance Scale.
Measured: Weekly until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Psychological Well-being (WHO-5)
Subjective well-being measured using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Measured: Baseline and after 3 months or upon clinical change over the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Functional Status (ECOG Performance Status)
Clinician-rated physical functioning using the ECOG Performance Status scale.
Measured: Regularly throughout the observation period during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Prognostic Assessment (Palliative Prognostic Index, PPI)
Prognosis estimation combining clinical parameters using the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI).
Measured: At baseline and upon major clinical change during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Caregiver Psychosocial Distress (SCARED)
Caregiver emotional distress measured with the Screen for Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED).
Measured: Baseline and weekly during caregiving period during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Caregiver Burden (Zarit Burden Interview, ZBI-7)
Subjective caregiver burden assessed with the 7-item Zarit Burden Interview short form (ZBI-7).
Measured: Baseline and weekly during caregiving period during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Perceived Social Support (Single-Item Measure)
Exploratory non-validated item assessing perceived social support among caregivers.
Measured: Once at baseline and, if applicable, during follow-up until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration: Nov 2025 to May 2027.
Family Satisfaction with Care (FAMCARE-2)
Satisfaction of family members with care and communication using the FAMCARE-2 short form.
Measured: Approximately 2 months after patient death; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Professional Acceptance and Usability (TUQ)
Perceived usability and acceptance of telehealth among professionals, measured with the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ).
Measured: After completion of the telemedicine use phase; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
System Usability (SUS)
Perceived usability and functionality of the telemedicine platform using the System Usability Scale (SUS).
Measured: After completion of the telemedicine use phase; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Phase of Illness (PCOC)
Clinical categorization of the patient's current phase of illness according to the Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) definitions: stable, unstable, deteriorating, terminal, and bereavement. The phase reflects the clinical status and care needs and is used to monitor transitions across palliative care trajectories.
Measured: At baseline and at each clinical review or when a change in the patient's clinical condition occurs. This will be proceeded until the patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp-12)
Spiritual well-being assessed with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12). The instrument measures meaning, peace, and faith as components of quality of life in patients with chronic or life-limiting illness.
Measured: At baseline and after 3 months or at end of participation overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

1 Dec 2025Aug 2027

First posted24 Mar 2026
Study start1 Dec 2025
Primary completionMay 2027 (estimated)
Study completionAug 2027 (estimated)

Resources

Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
Other trials for End of LifeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design

Study type: Observational
Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Prospective
Enrolment: 150 participants (estimated)
Target duration: 19 Months

IDs, dates and publications

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07491679
Sponsor's protocol ID: 2025-805-f-S
Acronym: IMPULS-NRW
Status last verified: Dec 2025
First submitted: 9 Jan 2026
Last updated: 24 Mar 2026
Results posted: No
Data monitoring committee: No
FDA-regulated drug: No
FDA-regulated device: No

Want to know more?

The sponsor has not listed a contact. The official record may have more details.

Talk to your doctor first and take this page with you. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

Questions to ask the study team

What is the study trying to find out?
What would I need to do, and how often would I visit?
Could I receive a placebo instead of the treatment?
What are the possible risks and benefits for me?
Will it cost me anything? Are travel or time paid for?
Can I keep seeing my own doctor during the study?
What happens when the study ends?

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Study at a glance

From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.

Official title: Implementation of Telemedicine in Palliative Care in the Outpatient Sector of North Rhine-Westphalia (IMPULS-NRW)
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07491679
Acronym / sponsor ID: IMPULS-NRW / 2025-805-f-S
Conditions: End of Life, Palliative Patients, Outpatient Treatment
Keywords: Palliative care, Telemedicine
Study type: Observational
Recruitment status: Active, not recruiting
Enrolment: 150 participants (estimated)
Lead sponsor: University Hospital MuensterUniversity, hospital or other
Study start: 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
Primary completion: May 2027 (estimated)
Study completion: Aug 2027 (estimated)
First posted: 24 Mar 2026 (actual)
Results: Not posted in the source record

Clinical summary

The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.

Study design

Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Prospective
Target follow-up: 19 Months
Number of arms: 3

Arm	Type	Receives
Patients	–	Behavioral: IMPULS-NRWIndividuals receiving Palliative Care and using the digital IMPULS App for symptom reporting in the form of electronic patient-reported outcomes ePROMs) and optional vital parameters monitoring.
Caregivers/Relatives	–	Behavioral: IMPULS-NRWPersons supporting patients in using the app or providing proxy data input with patient consent.
Healthcare Professionals	–	Behavioral: IMPULS-NRWPalliative Care nurses, physicians, and SAPV/PKD teams who review patient-reported data, plan interventions, and document care activities within the ISPC system.

Who may qualify

Ages: 18 years and older
Sex: All
Healthy volunteers: Accepted
Age groups: Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study population includes adult patients receiving Specialized Outpatient Palliative Care (SAPV) or Palliative Care Consultation (PKD) from participating tertiary hospitals in Münster, Essen and nearby locations, Germany. Participants comprise newly admitted patients as well as patients already in care when inclusion is deemed appropriate by the care team. The population also includes relatives who support or accompany the patient care, as well as professional healthcare providers involved in the patient's palliative care. All participants must be able to provide written informed consent or have consent proved by a legally authorized representative.

Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)

Adults (>18 years) receiving care from participating SAPV/PKD (Specialized Outpatient Palliative Care / Palliative Care Consultation teams)
Newly admitted patients or those already in care if study participation is deemed appropriate by the care team
Patients with a direct treatment context to the Central Palliative Care Unit (ZEP) of the University Hospital Muenster
Ability to provide written informed consent

Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)

Minors (<18 years)
Individuals with language or communication barriers that cannot be reliably compensated by relatives or qualified interpreters
Impaired consciousness or reduced decision-making capacity

Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Interventions

Intervention	Type	Arms
IMPULS-NRWParticipants (patients, relatives, and healthcare providers) will use the ISPC digital platform and its associated mobile application the IMPULS app to support Palliative Care. Patients can enter ePROMs and vital parameters, access medication plans, and receive relevant care information. Relatives may provide information on the patient's condition after consent. Healthcare providers access the web-based ISPC system to review patient data, plan interventions (phone calls, video visits, home visits), and document assessments and care measures. The intervention aims to improve care coordination, monitoring, and communication through digital support tools.	Behavioural	Caregivers/Relatives, Healthcare Professionals, Patients

Primary outcome

Symptom Burden (MIDOS-2)
Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment) and then weekly until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Patient-reported assessment of symptom intensity (pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and psychological distress) using the Minimal Documentation System 2 (MIDOS-2).
Depressive Symptoms (PHQ-8)
Time frame: At baseline and after 3 months or upon clinical change; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Self-reported depressive symptoms measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8.
Anxiety Symptoms (GAD-7)
Time frame: At baseline and after 3 months or upon clinical change; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Self-reported anxiety symptoms assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7.
Health-Related Quality of Life (EQ-5D-3L)
Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment) and then monthly until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Health-related quality of life assessed using the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L questionnaire that comprises an index score and a visual analogue scale.
Patient Satisfaction (ZUF-8)
Time frame: After 3 months of use or at end of participation; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Satisfaction with care and usability of the telemedicine intervention, assessed with the ZUF-8 questionnaire.
Functional Status (Palliative Performance Scale, PPS)
Time frame: Weekly until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Clinician-rated functional status including mobility, self-care, and intake using the Palliative Performance Scale.
Psychological Well-being (WHO-5)
Time frame: Baseline and after 3 months or upon clinical change over the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Subjective well-being measured using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index.
Functional Status (ECOG Performance Status)
Time frame: Regularly throughout the observation period during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Clinician-rated physical functioning using the ECOG Performance Status scale.
Prognostic Assessment (Palliative Prognostic Index, PPI)
Time frame: At baseline and upon major clinical change during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Prognosis estimation combining clinical parameters using the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI).
Caregiver Psychosocial Distress (SCARED)
Time frame: Baseline and weekly during caregiving period during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Caregiver emotional distress measured with the Screen for Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED).
Caregiver Burden (Zarit Burden Interview, ZBI-7)
Time frame: Baseline and weekly during caregiving period during the whole study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Subjective caregiver burden assessed with the 7-item Zarit Burden Interview short form (ZBI-7).
Perceived Social Support (Single-Item Measure)
Time frame: Once at baseline and, if applicable, during follow-up until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration: Nov 2025 to May 2027.
Exploratory non-validated item assessing perceived social support among caregivers.
Family Satisfaction with Care (FAMCARE-2)
Time frame: Approximately 2 months after patient death; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Satisfaction of family members with care and communication using the FAMCARE-2 short form.
Professional Acceptance and Usability (TUQ)
Time frame: After completion of the telemedicine use phase; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Perceived usability and acceptance of telehealth among professionals, measured with the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ).
System Usability (SUS)
Time frame: After completion of the telemedicine use phase; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Perceived usability and functionality of the telemedicine platform using the System Usability Scale (SUS).
Phase of Illness (PCOC)
Time frame: At baseline and at each clinical review or when a change in the patient's clinical condition occurs. This will be proceeded until the patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Clinical categorization of the patient's current phase of illness according to the Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) definitions: stable, unstable, deteriorating, terminal, and bereavement. The phase reflects the clinical status and care needs and is used to monitor transitions across palliative care trajectories.
Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp-12)
Time frame: At baseline and after 3 months or at end of participation overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.
Spiritual well-being assessed with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12). The instrument measures meaning, peace, and faith as components of quality of life in patients with chronic or life-limiting illness.

Results and safety

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

Research links

Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Mar 2026.

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Referral and contact

AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.

Philipp Lenz, Prof. Dr. med. principal investigator

University Hospital Muenster

1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of End of Life and Palliative Patients, run by University Hospital Muenster at 1 site in Germany.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Symptom Burden (MIDOS-2) (time frame: Baseline (at enrollment) and then weekly until the palliative condition does not allow for the patient to provide this information anymore, until a patient's death or withdrawal from the study; overall study duration from November 2025 to May 2027.). The study lists 17 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07491679.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Mar 2026.