Improving palliative care for advanced cancer patients in underserved areas
ECHO Telementoring to Improve Quality Palliative Care in Underserved Areas of Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India, and Ethiopia
This study is testing a new way to improve palliative care for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers in underserved areas of Africa and India by helping local healthcare providers learn how to offer better support.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 312 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04984551 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the impact of Project ECHO on the quality of life and satisfaction of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers in underserved regions of Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India, and Ethiopia. The study employs a comprehensive educational and telementoring intervention to empower local healthcare providers to deliver better palliative care. It aims to assess changes in patient-reported quality of life, symptom distress, and caregiver experiences, while also enhancing healthcare provider knowledge and competence in palliative care delivery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with advanced cancer who are scheduled for treatment and have a prognosis of at least one year.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to read and understand English or have a prognosis of less than one year may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve the quality of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer in underserved areas.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing the ECHO model have shown promise in improving healthcare access and quality, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PATIENT: Scheduled to receive treatment at participating primary care practice for advanced cancer * PATIENT: 18 years or older * PATIENT: Willing to be accessible to the research team for follow-up by telephone or in person * PATIENT: Prognosis of at least 1 year as ascertained by the treating physician * PATIENT: Able to read and understand English as assessed by the treating physician * CAREGIVER: Identified or self-identified as primary caregiver of the patient * CAREGIVER: Willing to be accessible to the research team for follow-up by telephone or in person * CAREGIVER: 18 years or older * CAREGIVER: Able to read and understand English as assessed by the treating physician * ECHO PARTICIPANT: Participant must be a health care provider interested to participate in the study for 2 years and understand the protocol and provide consent * ECHO PARTICIPANT: Able to read and understand English as assessed by principal investigator (PI) Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to understand and sign consent
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- M D Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sriram Yennu — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Sriram Yennu
- Email: syennu@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-792-6085
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.