Improving communication about end-of-life care for cancer patients
Improving Advance Care Planning in Oncology: A Pragmatic, Cluster-Randomized Trial Integrating Patient Videos and Clinician Communication Training
This study is looking to improve how doctors and older patients with advanced cancer talk about treatment choices by providing training for doctors and helpful videos for patients, so everyone can make decisions that really reflect what matters to the patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10459292 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance advance care planning (ACP) for older patients with advanced cancer by integrating clinician communication training and patient video decision aids. The program is designed to empower both patients and clinicians to engage in meaningful conversations about treatment options that align with patients' values and preferences. By conducting a pragmatic trial across three major healthcare systems, the study seeks to establish effective communication strategies that can lead to better decision-making at the end of life. The approach is based on previous successful trials, ensuring that both patients and healthcare providers are equipped with the necessary skills and tools.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with advanced cancer who are facing decisions about their end-of-life care.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or those who are not in advanced stages of their illness may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved end-of-life care that aligns with patients' wishes, reducing unnecessary aggressive treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches in improving communication and decision-making in healthcare settings.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tulsky, James a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Tulsky, James a.
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.