Assessing virtual and in-person palliative care for oncology patients
Single Arm Pilot Trial of Virtual and In-person Symptom Screening With Targeted Early Palliative Care (STEP2)
This study is testing a new way to connect cancer patients with palliative care by using online symptom check-ins and in-person visits to see if it helps them feel better and manage their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06326554 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of a mixed intervention called STEP2, which combines virtual symptom screening with in-person palliative care referrals for oncology patients. Participants with advanced cancer will complete electronic questionnaires assessing their quality of life, symptom burden, depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with care at various intervals. The study will focus on patients' experiences and decision-making regarding palliative care visits based on their symptom severity. The goal is to improve access to early palliative care for patients with significant symptom burden.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with stage IV cancer or specific advanced stages of other cancers and an estimated prognosis of 6 to 36 months.
Not a fit: Patients who are not proficient in English or have poor cognitive status may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance timely access to palliative care, improving the quality of life for oncology patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the feasibility of similar palliative care interventions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18+ years * stage IV cancer (stage III or IV for lung or pancreas cancers; hormone-refractory for prostate and ER-positive breast cancers) * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2 * oncologist-estimated prognosis of 6-36 months * willingness to complete routine online symptom screening at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Exclusion Criteria: * insufficient English literacy to complete study procedures * oncologist-determined poor cognitive status * already received or currently receiving specialized palliative care
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- University Health Network — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Camilla Zimmermann, MD PhD — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Ashley Pope, BSc
- Email: ashley.pope@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-340-4800
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.