Improving cancer care for patients who speak limited English
Official title: RSMI HEALS
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11164810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new technology can help patients who don't speak much English communicate better during their cancer treatment, making sure they get the care they need in a way that's easier for them to understand.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $739,555 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD019804-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with limited English proficiency who are undergoing cancer treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are fluent in English or do not require language interpretation services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how technology can enhance communication for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) during cancer treatment. It focuses on using advanced interpreting methods, including remote simultaneous medical interpreting (RSMI), to reduce language barriers and improve patient outcomes. By conducting a randomized controlled trial across three diverse cancer clinics, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these interpreting services in real medical encounters. The goal is to create a more equitable healthcare experience for LEP patients by leveraging artificial intelligence and innovative interpreting techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes for patients who face language barriers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology for medical interpreting, but this specific approach with RSMI is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gany, Francesca M — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Gany, Francesca M
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.