Improving cancer care by addressing risk behaviors like smoking and obesity
Pragmatic Trial
This study is looking at how to make it easier for cancer patients to get help with things like smoking, staying active, and managing weight by adding these checks into their health records, so they can quickly receive support through telehealth services without disrupting their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892146 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on integrating assessments of cancer risk behaviors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity, into the electronic health record (EHR) systems used by cancer care providers. By automating referrals for telehealth-enabled treatments, the project aims to make it easier for patients to receive support for these behaviors, which can negatively impact cancer treatment outcomes. The approach is designed to be affordable and minimally disruptive to existing clinical workflows, enhancing the quality of care for cancer patients. The study builds on existing programs for tobacco cessation and symptom monitoring to create a comprehensive support system for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients and survivors who exhibit risk behaviors such as smoking, obesity, or physical inactivity.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently undergoing cancer treatment or do not exhibit any of the targeted risk behaviors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment responses and quality of life for cancer patients by addressing critical health risk behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in integrating behavioral interventions into cancer care, indicating that this approach has potential for positive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spring, Bonnie — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Spring, Bonnie
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.