Let's Talk About It

Timely Communication About Palliative Care in Oncology

What is the project about?

Together with researchers, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience, the project will develop innovative approaches to facilitate communication about palliative care. Its goal is to create a practical communication toolkit that supports healthcare professionals in identifying the need for palliative care at an early stage, initiating conversations about it, and implementing appropriate measures in line with the principles of timely palliative care. To better understand the specific challenges and needs surrounding communication about sensitive topics in oncology, the project employs co-creative methods, including workshops, interviews, focus groups, participatory observation, and collaborative working groups.

What is the goal of the project?

Within the framework of participatory health research, in which researchers and societal stakeholders work together, the project aims to:

• Identify the needs, perspectives, experiences, and expertise of all relevant stakeholder groups, including physicians, nurses, patients, and family members.


• Systematically analyse existing approaches and tools for improving communication about palliative care in oncology, as well as their effectiveness.


• Assess the feasibility of implementing specific communication tools within the Austrian healthcare system.


• Co-create, further develop, and pilot practical communication tools.

Who participates in the project?

The project engages the following stakeholder groups: Oncology and palliative care patients, family members and informal caregivers, physicians and nurses working in oncology and palliative care, psycho-oncologists, hospital leadership, leadership of medical education institutions, representatives of the creative sector, researchers

How are participants involved in the project?

Stakeholders are engaged through focus groups, interviews, participant observation, and co-creative workshops.

How are participants recruited for the project?

Participants are recruited through the partner institutions involved in the project and the professional networks of the project leadership team.

Project lead

Claudia Wenzel, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinische Abteilung für Palliativmedizin, Medizinische Universität Wien

pynhqvn.jramry@zrqhavjvra.np.ng

Christiane Kreyer, Institut für Pflegewissenschaft, UMIT TIROL, Hall in Tirol

puevfgvnar.xerlre@hzvg-gveby.ng

Agnes Mistlberger-Reiner, Open Science – Lebenswissenschaften im Dialog, Wien

zvfgyoretre-ervare@bcrafpvrapr.be.ng

Annibelle Call, Cancer Nurse, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinische Abteilung für Palliativmedizin, Medizinische Universität Wien

naavoryyr.pnyy@tznvy.pbz

Cooperation partners

University hospitals across different Austrian federal states