Care coach-led palliative surgical and rehabilitation care for people with advanced cancer
Effectiveness of A Care Coach-led Integrated Palliative Surgical Oncology and Rehabilitation Care Model in Patients With Advanced Cancer Undergoing Major Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This program will test whether a care coach-led palliative surgical oncology approach paired with rehabilitation helps adults with stage 3–4 solid cancers who are planning major elective surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 770 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Singapore General Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Singapore and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07133269 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants receive a care coach-led palliative surgical oncology intervention integrated with tailored rehabilitation before and after major elective surgery. The care coach-supported surgical team provides basic palliative care elements such as serious illness conversations, symptom management, and psychosocial support alongside functional restoration. Outcomes include patient function, symptom burden, quality of life, and health care use such as readmissions. Caregivers and clinical staff are engaged for qualitative feedback on implementation and acceptability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 21 or older with stage 3–4 solid-organ cancers or cancers requiring complex major elective surgery who can read and speak English or Chinese (and their unpaid family caregivers) are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who require specialty palliative care for complex needs, those undergoing emergency or non-elective surgery, younger than 21, or unable to read/speak English or Chinese are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve function, symptom control, quality of life, and reduce post-surgical readmissions for patients with advanced cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Integrated palliative care in surgical settings is relatively novel but pilot data and other integrated palliative models suggest feasibility and potential benefit.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: (i) Patients: 1. Aged 21 and above, 2. Diagnosis of advanced cancer, i.e. stage 3 or 4 solid organ cancer or diagnosed with cancer that requires complex surgery, 3. Planned for elective major surgery (Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) table code 4 or more or surgery involves more than one surgical discipline, 4. Able to speak and read English or Chinese (ii) Caregivers: 1. Age 21 and above, 2. Unpaid family or informal caregiver who takes direct care of the patient's day-to-day and healthcare needs, or ensures provision of care to meet the needs, or who is the decision maker with regard to the patient's needs and healthcare, 3. Able to speak and read English or Chinese. (iii) Healthcare Providers (Qualitative interview only): 1. Age 21 and above, 2. Currently working as a Healthcare professional at SGH or NCCS and involved in this study. Exclusion Criteria: (i) Patients: 1. Patient refusal, 2. Have complex PC needs requiring specialty palliative care (SPC) intervention before surgery, 3. Active mental illness or severe dementia and certified unfit to make medical decision by a specialist physician, 4. Scheduled for Emergency surgery. (ii) Caregivers: 1\. Unwilling to participate in the study. (iii) Healthcare Providers (Qualitative interview only): 1\. Unwilling to participate in the Qualitative interview.
Where this trial is running
Singapore and 1 other locations
- National Cancer Centre Singapore — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
- Singapore General Hospital — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jolene Wong, MBBS, MMed (Surgery), MPH — Singapore General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Perlie Ng
- Email: perlie.ng.x.y@nccs.com.sg
- Phone: +65 6306 1913
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.