Physiotherapist Navigator program for people receiving cancer treatment
Evaluation of a Novel Role Proposal for the Use of a Physiotherapist Navigator in an Acute Cancer Care Setting in Ontario: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will try a physiotherapist acting as a navigator to help adults receiving cancer treatment manage fatigue and strength loss and connect them with rehabilitation services.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07045740 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-site pilot introduces a Physiotherapist (PT) Navigator into acute cancer care at McMaster University to provide routine assessment, symptom management, goal-setting, and referrals for patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Adults newly diagnosed with any cancer who are community-dwelling and English-speaking will be enrolled and regularly monitored by the PT Navigator during treatment. The study will measure feasibility outcomes (implementation, uptake, and process metrics) and look for preliminary signals of benefit in overall impairment scores, quality of life, and physical activity levels. Results will inform whether a larger trial or wider implementation is warranted.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who are newly diagnosed with any type/stage of cancer, are receiving active treatment, speak English, and live in the community are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with significant physical or cognitive impairments that prevent completion of physical assessments, or individuals who cannot attend the single-site visits or do not speak English, may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, a PT Navigator could improve symptom control, increase patient access to rehabilitation, and help maintain or improve quality of life during cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Patient navigation has improved care processes in other settings and cancer rehabilitation and exercise interventions have proven benefits, but the specific PT-Navigator role in acute cancer care is novel and untested in Canada.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults aged ≥18 years old; recently diagnosed with any type/stage of cancer who are/will be receiving cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy); English-speaking; are community-dwelling Exclusion Criteria: * have a self-reported physical or cognitive impairment that would prevent them from carrying out a physical assessment
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jenna Smith-Turchyn, PT, PhD — McMaster University
- Study coordinator: Holly Edward, PT, PhD Candidate
- Email: edwarh2@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 905-525-9140
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.