AngImTeam - Improving Support for Family Members of Terminally Ill Patients in the Hospital: A Prospective Randomized Evaluation of a Standardized, Compact Training Program for Ward Teams
Project Director: Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle (Hamburg)
Research Director in Erlangen: PD. Dr. Dr. Maria Heckel
Funding Body: German Cancer Aid 70117011
Funding Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028 (Project Start: June 2026)
Background
In Germany, many people die in hospitals. For family members, the final phase of a loved one’s life is often very stressful. Doctors and nurses also face significant challenges when supporting family members.
Studies show that medical and nursing training often lacks the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support family members during this difficult time.
To close this gap, the AngImTeam training program was developed. It is designed for entire ward teams and teaches how to support the relatives of dying patients in a professional, empathetic manner that is tailored to their needs.
Objectives of the Study
The AngImTeam study investigates the effectiveness of this training. To this end, teams from various non-palliative care hospital wards at four university hospitals and their partner hospitals are participating.
The central objective is to improve staff members’ skills in supporting family members—in particular their
knowledge,
their attitudes and beliefs,
and their communication skills.
Additional objectives include:
building self-confidence in interacting with family members,
reflecting on one’s own attitudes toward dying and death,
evaluating the training by participants,
improving teamwork,
and examining factors such as professional experience or previous continuing education.
In addition, the study examines the barriers and enabling conditions involved in applying what has been learned in everyday clinical practice.
Study Design
A total of 50 hospital wards are participating in the study. They are randomly assigned to two groups: one that receives the training immediately and a control group.
Data collection takes place before and after the training. This includes case studies, questionnaires (e.g., on self-efficacy, empathy, or stress when caring for the dying), and interviews with ward managers.
This allows us to assess the impact of the training on both individual staff members and the entire team.
Significance of the Project
AngImTeam is the first large-scale scientific study to examine standardized training for supporting family members during the end-of-life phase.
In the long term, the project aims to help provide better support for dying patients and their families in the hospital—through greater empathy, better communication, and a professional, sensitive attitude within the team.
Contact: Maria.Heckel(at)uk-erlangen.de Tel: 09131 85 37972
