RCT of risperidone versus haloperidol versus placebo with rescue haloperidol in delirium in palliative care [ 2008 - 2011 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Meera Agar (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Gideon Caplan ,  Dr Christine Sanderson ,  Dr Mark Hill ,  Ms Tania Shelby-James
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Brief description A simple definition of delirium is an acute confusional state that occurs when someone is unwell. It can manifest with many symptoms of varying severity, including confusion, restlessness, poor concentration and disturbance of sleep pattern. Delirium is a common problem when someone is unwell. Experience suggests that medications such as haloperidol and risperidone may be useful in managing these symptoms, however these have not been studied in detail in palliative care. This study is comparing the three approaches: use of risperidone given regularly, use of haloperidol given regularly, and use of haloperidol given as needed for symptoms of agitation, hallucinations and restlessness related to delirium in patients being cared for in palliative care settings. This study will compare how well these medications control delirium symptoms (from health professional, patient and caregiver perspectives) and also monitor their side effects over a five-day period, and follow longer term outcomes for 6 months (function and location of care).

Funding Amount $AUD 50,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Strategic Awards

Notes Palliative Care Research