RAPHAEL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RAPHAEL – Integrating a palliative care approach for patients with heart failure. Qualitative studies.
IRAS ID
357534
Contact name
Amitava Banerjee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Utrecht University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
The RAPHAEL consortium sets out to take the next big step in integrating PC into HF care by integrating the RAPHAEL palliative care approach in existing HF care pathways. This flexible and patient centred approach starts with the identification of multidimensional symptoms and concerns, prioritise needs with patient and informal carer and formulate a proactive care plan. The symptoms and concerns will be monitored by the patient at home using the PAL@HEART application. The app can be used to evaluate interventions, support communication and early identify new or increasing needs. As a result, the care needs of each individual patient with HF are addressed faster and better, improving their quality of life and autonomy. Moreover, this will lead to a reduction in emergency hospitalisations, unburdening the healthcare system and reducing costs.
The RAPHAEL project sets out to adapt the RAPHAEL approach to HF care within a European context and test and validate its (cost-)effectiveness via a feasibility and large-scale evaluation study performed in 7 EU countries, the UK and Switzerland. It brings together experts in palliative care, cardiology, and primary care as well as professional organisations and patient representatives. Together the RAPHAEL consortium is uniquely situated to demonstrate the (cost-)effectiveness of the RAPHAEL approach and launch its implementation in Europe and beyond.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
25/WA/0292
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion