Improving end-of-life cancer care for Black patients through spiritual support

Pilot Trial of a "Divine Intervention" to Improve End-of-Life Cancer Care for Black Patients

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10911324

This study is looking at how having healthcare chaplains support Black patients with advanced cancer can help them feel more at peace and make better decisions about their care as they near the end of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911324 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how integrating healthcare chaplains into the care of advanced cancer patients can enhance their spiritual needs and improve end-of-life decision-making. It focuses on Black patients, who often rely on spirituality to cope with cancer, and aims to provide them with the support they need in outpatient settings. By facilitating conversations about advance care planning and spiritual care, the project seeks to improve the quality of life for these patients as they approach the end of life. The study will assess the impact of chaplain visits on patients' acceptance of their illness and their completion of advance directives.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black patients with advanced cancer who value spiritual support in their care.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify with or value spiritual care may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved quality of life and more personalized end-of-life care for Black cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggest that similar approaches have shown positive outcomes, particularly in inpatient settings, but this specific integration in outpatient care is novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.