Closing the gap in behavioral health care for older adults with cancer
Reducing the chasm in behavioral health care for older adults with cancer: Development of the Center for Implementation Research in Cancer in Later Life (CIRCL)
This project creates a center to bring proven behavioral and mental health supports into cancer care for people aged 65 and older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds a Center that helps clinics adapt and offer behavioral health programs that fit the needs of older adults with cancer. The Center will provide leadership, training, and research support so care teams can use evidence-based interventions in routine cancer care. It will include an advisory council and a patient-and-caregiver council to guide priorities and make sure programs work for real patients and families. The Center will also offer resources and networking to help hospitals and clinics implement these supports more easily.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People aged 65 and older who have cancer and are experiencing behavioral or mental health needs, and their caregivers, would be the most relevant candidates for programs supported by this Center.
Not a fit: Cancer patients under 65, older adults without behavioral health concerns, or people in areas without participating clinics may not directly benefit from this project's services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make mental and behavioral health services more available and easier to use for older adults with cancer, improving quality of life and treatment adherence.
How similar studies have performed: Related behavioral and implementation efforts have helped other cancer groups, but a center focused on tailoring implementation specifically for older adults is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcconnell, Kelly — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Mcconnell, Kelly
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 below.