Nurse-led conversations to integrate palliative care for children with cancer
Facilitating Early Integration of Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology: Development and Implementation of a Nurse-initiated Conversation Program for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Their Families
This study is testing if having nurses lead conversations about palliative care can help children with cancer and their families get better support right after a diagnosis or relapse.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Fudan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Minhang) |
| Trial ID | NCT05306509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to implement a pediatric palliative care program by utilizing nurse-initiated conversations to facilitate early integration of palliative care in pediatric oncology. It is an open-label, randomized trial conducted at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, where participants will be divided into an intervention group receiving the nurse-led program and a control group receiving routine palliative care. The intervention is designed to provide comprehensive support to children and their families during the critical period following an oncologic diagnosis or relapse. The program will last for six months and is based on a culturally adapted model of care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children diagnosed with solid tumors or hematological malignancies within eight weeks of their initial diagnosis or relapse, along with their Chinese-speaking family caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to participate mentally or verbally, as determined by their physician, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families by providing timely palliative care support.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar approaches in integrating palliative care early in the treatment process, indicating a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children within eight weeks of initial oncologic diagnosis or within eight weeks of relapse/recurrent disease diagnosis * Children speaking Chinese * Children's family caregivers accompanying the child in the hospital (only one family member is eligible to take this role under current hospital policy) * Children's family caregivers speaking Chinese * Health care providers who are taking care of the eligible children, including but not limited to physicians, nurses, and social workers Exclusion Criteria: \- Children who, in the opinion of their physician, are not capable mentally or verbally of participating in the survey or interview
Where this trial is running
Shanghai, Minhang
- Hemotology/Oncology Unit and Surgical Oncology Unit of Children's Hospital of Fudan University — Shanghai, Minhang, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xiaowen Zhai, MD — Children's Hospital of Fudan University
- Study coordinator: Lei Cheng, PhD
- Email: chenglei@fudan.edu.cn
- Phone: +8602164161784
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.