Mobile chatbot support for young adult cancer survivors
Staying Healthy With Follow-up Care: A Feasibility Study Utilizing a Chatbot (Penny) Via Mobile Phones to Increase Compliance With Risk Based Survivorship Care (RBSC) Among Adult Survivors of Pediatric and Young Adult Cancers
This study tests if a mobile chatbot called 'Penny' can help young adult cancer survivors who haven't had follow-up care in a while to schedule their appointments and manage their health better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05863702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to help survivors of childhood and young adult cancers who have not returned for follow-up care for three or more years. It evaluates the effectiveness of a mobile chatbot named 'Penny' in assisting these patients with scheduling appointments and managing their follow-up care. The study employs a two-arm randomized controlled trial design to gather both qualitative and quantitative data on the acceptability and effectiveness of this intervention compared to usual care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged over 18 who were diagnosed with cancer as children or young adults and have not returned for follow-up care.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of thyroid cancer or skin cancers may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve follow-up care engagement among young adult cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital health interventions for patient engagement, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patient (age \> 18 years), male or female, diagnosed with cancer as a child or as a young adult, between birth and 39 years of age * Patient possession of a mobile device that can receive SMS texts * Ability to respond to questions and engage with "Penny" in English * Ability to provide informed consent to participate in the study * Approval of the patient's oncology care team for the patient to be involved in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Anyone who does not meet the inclusion criteria * Patients with a history of thyroid cancer or skin cancers
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Linda A Jacobs, PhD, CRNP
- Email: linda.jacobs@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-615-3371
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.