Clinical Research Department

Hospice of Chattanooga is the leading hospice provider in 18 East Tennessee and North Georgia counties.  As such, we remain committed to conducting clinical research that continues to define the hospice industry and improve the quality of life of our patients. 

Who can participate in a clinical study? Participants may include hospice and palliative care patients, as well as referrals we receive from physicians around the community. Participation in our research studies is completely voluntary. Anyone who volunteers to participate is fully informed about the details of the study including the purpose, procedures, possible risks and discomforts, possible benefits, costs, payment, alternatives, and confidentiality of information. All patients who decide to participate must give their written consent by signing a study specific Informed Consent form prior to enrollment. Because participation is voluntary, any patient may decide to refuse to participate or to withdraw from a study at any time.

What are the types of studies available? The types of studies vary but generally are focused on improving the quality of life in our patients as well as improving pain, shortness of breath, constipation, fatigue, and other symptoms commonly associated with advanced illness. At any given time we have multiple studies for which we are actively seeking volunteers.

Below is a list of ongoing clinical research projects being performed by members of the Hospice of Chattanooga team. 

“A Comparison of Patients with Chronic Medical Problems Before and After Palliative Care Services in Regards to Hospitalizations, ER Visits, and Length of Stay;" A Retrospective Pilot Study conducted in conjunction with Erlanger Medical Center and UT College of Medicine at Chattanooga.  Hospice of Chattanooga contact:  Dr. Terry Melvin.

“Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients;" A prospective study looking at definitive evidence on what factors predict quality of life in patients on hemodialysis.  Conducted in conjunction with UT College of Medicine at Chattanooga and in conjunction with Dialisys Clinic, Inc.  Presented by Hospice of Chattanooga’s Dr. Navaid and Dr. Melvin at the NHPCO conference, Atlanta GA, 2010.  Currently being written for potential publication.

“Principals of Wound care in Hospice;” A case study looking at the difference of opinion between the hospice approach and conventional medical interventions for managing a patient’s pressure ulcers.  Authored by Hospice of Chattanooga’s Dr. Navaid and Dr. Melvin.  Published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in February 2010.  Prompted an editorial in The Hospice Compliance Letter.

“The Palliative Care Approach to Treating Patients with Sickle Cell Disease;” A case study looking at the palliative care approach of chronic exchange transfusion for sickle cell patients. Conducted in conjunction with UT College of Medicine at Chattanooga. Authored by Hospice of Chattanooga’s Dr. Navaid and Dr. Melvin. Published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in February 2010.

A Prospective study to determine the value of massage therapy in reducing pain and anxiety in certain hospice patients.  Estimated completion 2011. Funding provided by The Hospice of Chattanooga foundation. Hospice of Chattanooga contact:  Dr. Terry Melvin.

”Challenges to Improving End-of-Life;"  A prospective study looking at the physicians’ perspectives regarding their roles in end-of-life treatment decisions and the challenges they face in this regard.  Project targeted for 2011.  Contact: Hospice of Chattanooga’s Dr. Robert Barth.

Case studies of hospice patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia and how the use of a multisensory environment can often increase pleasure, engagement and calm, while decreasing agitation. This study was presented at the International Alzheimer’s conference in July 2010.