Creating a tool to identify social isolation risks in head and neck cancer survivors

The Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the SIRS: A Social Isolation Risk Scale for Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer

['FUNDING_R03'] · FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH · NIH-10729500

This study is creating a quick and easy tool to help doctors spot head and neck cancer survivors who might feel socially isolated, so they can get the support they need.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MANHASSET, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10729500 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new screening tool called the Social Isolation Risk Scale (SIRS) specifically for survivors of head and neck cancer. The goal is to identify individuals who may be at risk for social isolation due to unique challenges they face, such as facial disfigurement. The research involves generating a list of potential risk factors through discussions with survivors and experts, followed by refining these items based on feedback from interviews with socially isolated survivors. This tool aims to be brief enough for use in busy clinical settings, making it easier to identify those in need of support.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are survivors of head and neck cancer who may be experiencing social isolation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not survivors of head and neck cancer or those who do not experience social isolation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help healthcare providers identify head and neck cancer survivors at risk for social isolation, allowing for timely interventions and support.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific tool being developed is novel, similar approaches to identifying social isolation in cancer survivors have shown promise in other studies.

Where this research is happening

MANHASSET, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, cardiovascular disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.