A tool to improve communication and self-management for families dealing with pediatric cancer
Official title: Cancer Care Companion: An Electronic Health Record Tool to Improve Information Exchange and Self-Management in Pediatric Cancer
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11084876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful online tool called the Cancer Care Companion to improve communication between doctors and parents of kids with cancer, making it easier for families to access information and support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 12, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,941 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA290223-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are parents of children aged 0-11 who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently receiving treatment for cancer or whose parents are not engaged in their care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an electronic health record (EHR) tool called the Cancer Care Companion, designed to enhance communication between healthcare providers and parents of children with cancer. By engaging parents in the design process, the project seeks to create a user-friendly platform that includes educational materials, symptom surveys, and messaging capabilities. The tool will be tailored to meet the specific needs of families affected by pediatric cancer, ensuring it is practical and effective for real-world use. The study will involve participatory design workshops to refine the tool's content and functionality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of care and support for families navigating pediatric cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using electronic health record tools to improve communication in healthcare settings, suggesting a promising approach for this project.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sisk, Bryan Anthony — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sisk, Bryan Anthony
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.