Improving communication for older cancer patients and their caregivers
Improving Communication for Cancer Treatment: Addressing Concerns of Older Cancer Patients and Caregivers
This study is testing whether a special assessment can help older cancer patients and their caregivers communicate better about treatment and improve their quality of life during chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05436327 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance patient-centered outcomes for older cancer patients considering or receiving chemotherapy, along with their caregivers. The study will assess the effectiveness of a Geriatric Assessment (GA) on communication regarding age-related concerns, as well as satisfaction levels among patients and caregivers. Additionally, it will evaluate the implementation strategies for adopting GA in community oncology practices and identify necessary resources for effective implementation. The focus is on improving quality of life and managing side effects of chemotherapy through better communication.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older cancer patients aged 65 and older who are considering a new chemotherapy plan.
Not a fit: Patients with health conditions that impair their ability to provide informed consent or participate in the intervention, such as dementia, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve communication and satisfaction for older cancer patients and their caregivers during chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in improving communication and patient outcomes through similar approaches, indicating a promising avenue for this intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Practice Staff Participants Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * A practicing clinician (e.g., oncologist, nurse practitioners, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, registered nurse, medical assistant) or other practice staff (e.g., administrators and IT) * Fluent in English (reading and speaking) * Have access to computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone Exclusion Criteria: * Have plans to leave the practice in six months (e.g., retiring or changing organizations) * Unable to provide consent Patient Participants Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 and older * Considering a new chemotherapy plan Exclusion Criteria: • Have been diagnosed with a health condition that precludes their ability to participate in informed consent or in the intervention (e.g., dementia which limits decision-making capacity). Care Partner/Caregiver Participants (Care partners can be any partner, spouse, family member, and/or friend that has been identified by the patient and/or clinical team that supports the patient through treatment.) Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years and older * Fluent in English (reading and speaking) * Have access to computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone Exclusion Criteria: • Unable to provide consent Inclusion of Special Populations: Employees. The rationale for including employees is to gain a better understanding of how we can improve cancer care for older patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. It is possible that some employees may be pregnant women or military personnel. We intend to include these individuals as long as they meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria because this is a clinical improvement project to promote the implementation of the GA in routine clinical practice and should have external validity. These individuals would not be excluded in other clinical improvement projects outside of a research study. Other special populations. This study will not include other special subject populations (students, Non-English-Speaking Populations, Minors, Human Fetuses; Neonates (infants under 30 days old), prisoners/detainees (wards)) because the purpose of the study is to understand the implementation of the GA in clinical oncology practices and its impact on patients 65+ with cancer and their care partners satisfaction with care, communication about their care, quality of life, and patient (65+) reported toxicities.
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lisa Marie Lowenstein, PhD, MPH — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Lisa Marie Lowenstein, PhD, MPH
- Email: AgingCancerStudy@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-563-0020
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.