This is a two armed multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), to assess the effectiveness of two pragmatic PC models for patients with ESLD (Consultative PC vs. Trained hepatologist led PC). To prevent bias at the level of providers, randomization will take place at the level of clinical centers; however patients will be the unit of inference. Parallel to this cluster-RCT, a qualitative study will be undertaken to evaluate the patient/caregiver experiences in the two PC models, using semi structured interviews.
To execute this project, Duke has identified 19 clinical centers to participate; 8 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) systems and 11 non-VHA, Academic Medical Centers.
Comparative Approaches:
1.Consultative PC led approach (Model 1): The PC model will include: 1) routine PC consults, using a standardized checklist , 2) in-person visits at initial, 1 and 3 months.
2.Trained hepatologist led PC (Model 2): The Hepatologist Led PC model will comprise: 1) Hepatologist training (through E Learning modules), and 2) in person visits utilizing the same PC checklist as utilized in Model 1. The in-person visits will occur at initial, 1 and 3 months i.e. similar to Model 1 and follow the same visit specified agenda.
MUSC has been assigned to the Model 2 approach, "Hepatologist led Palliative Care" to be lead by Dr. Don Rockey and Dr. Heather Simpson.
Adult patients 18 years of age or older will be enrolled. With 14 clinical centers in different geographic locations and diversity in race/ ethnicity, 1260 patient/ caregiver dyads will be enrolled.
The goal of this study is to develop an early systemic sclerosis (SSc) registry in the United States (US). A registry is a group of patients that are observed over time. This is a non-interventional study, meaning that they are no study specific medications to take or procedures to undergo. The specific aims include ongoing assessment of the natural history of early SSc patients by capturing and analyzing clinical data, patient reported outcomes, and laboratory data as seen in the clinic as part of their routine care needs. Additional study visits are not required. This is a multi-center study with sites spread across the U.S. This study is funded by the Scleroderma Research Foundation.
Early intervention for infants and toddlers with or at-risk for autism spectrum disorder can promote developmental skills and improve lifelong outcomes. Yet, many children with ASD are not diagnosed until after age 3. In order to improve early detection of ASD, we are investigating very early predictors of social communication challenges in infants as young as 1 week to 6 months of age.
This research study examines how the development of attention and motor skills in the first year of life is associated with the emergence of social and communication skills in three groups of infants: infants who are first born or who have a sibling with no developmental delays, infants who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and infants who were born preterm.
Walking after a lower extremity amputation is often difficult. It is important that researchers and clinicians understand the mechanisms that inhibit normal walking function. In this study, we are recruiting individuals with lower extremity limb loss for a walking and balance investigation. We will also be studying matched healthy controls to do similar study procedures. All study procedures will occur on the campus of MUSC by a licensed Physical Therapist and experienced researcher. Any questions should be directed to the coordinator listed.
This study is for patients that have been diagnosed with Germ Cell Tumors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a strategy of complete surgical resection followed by surveillance can maintain an overall survival rate of at least 95.7% at two years for pediatric, adolescent and adult patients (ages 0- 50 years) with Stage I (low risk) malignant germ cell tumors, and at least 98% for patients with ovarian pure immature teratoma. The drugs used in this study are carboplatin and cisplatin. Participants will be followed for up to 10 years.
Pain control after tonsillectomy is imperative but often difficult. Current post-operative pain medication regimens include opioid analgesics and are often still inadequate. Though not standard of care, it is our practice to prescribe a single dose of oral steroid medication on the third day after surgery, when pain and swelling are at their peak, in order to assist with pain control and reduce opioid consumption. Though this practice has a rational theoretical basis, there is no prospective data supporting or discounting it. We aim to compare pain control, opioid consumption, and complication rates in children receiving post-operative steroids versus those who do not.
The purpose of this study is to gather feedback to inform the development of a web-based tool that provides screening and education about alcohol use following interpersonal violence. People who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence in the last year and drink alcohol, or are currently in treatment for alcohol use, will be asked to provide feedback about a web-based tool for alcohol use. 60-minute interviews will be conducted and will involve viewing the content of the web-based tool and providing feedback. Additionally, feedback given during interviews will be analyzed and then individuals who have used the web-based tool will complete a survey following the tool use if they report using substances. The tool will be tested for use with English and Spanish speakers.
Additionally, the web-based tool will be adapted for use among SMW and TGD survivors of sexual assault. Two areas of the original tool will be adapted: 1) psychoeducation and normative feedback will be made specific to SMW and TGD people's experiences, and 2) sexual and gender minority stress content will be added (i.e., information about sexual and gender-identity related stressors and their association with distress and alcohol use). We will gather feedback via qualitative interviews from 30 SMW and TGD survivors of sexual assault who report alcohol misuse or heavy drinking in the past month.
Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) related pulmonary arterial hypertension (SScPAH) have a worse prognosis than those with idiopathic PAH. We have recently discovered that heart cells in SScPAH do not contract or squeeze as well as in other forms of pulmonary hypertension. However, the mechanism leading to this dysfunction is not understood. To better study this and in hopes of developing a future therapy, we plan to collect tissue samples via a heart biopsy at the time of a clinically indicated heart catheterization.
The purpose of the study is to generate a bio bank of specimens for research. We will tissue that would otherwise be discarded from clinical or surgical procedure and information from medical records. We will also collect discarded blood, urines and sputum. Collecting samples will help to better understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, identify biomarkers for early diagnosis and to predict safety and efficacy of new therapies.
The purpose of this study is to identify and measure refractive errors of the eye as well as visual symptoms after cataract surgery.