Program to screen and refer cancer patients for symptom distress
Evaluation of a Program for Routine Implementation of Symptom Distress Screening and Referral in Cancer Care: a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial
NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT05949996
This study tests a new program where nurses regularly check in on cancer patients' symptoms to see if it helps more of them get the support they need for emotional and mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 2772 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong (other) |
| Locations | 10 sites (Hong Kong and 9 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05949996 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a nurse-led program that implements routine screening for symptom distress in cancer care clinics. Using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial design, it aims to determine if systematic screening increases the number of eligible patients who are screened and referred for psychosocial support. The program employs five implementation strategies, including training and feedback, to facilitate the adoption of screening practices. Additionally, qualitative methods will be used to assess the experiences of participants with the implementation process.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are cancer patients who are within two years post-treatment and attending specialized outpatient clinics for surveillance.
Not a fit: Patients who are beyond two years post-treatment will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the identification and support of cancer patients experiencing symptom distress.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar implementation strategies in enhancing patient care in oncology settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All cancer patients within two years post-treatment attending the specialized outpatient clinics for surveillance will be eligible for symptom distress screening, with no exclusions by any demographic and clinical characteristics. Exclusion Criteria: * All cancer patients beyond two years post-treatment
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 9 other locations
- JCICC — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING)
- Kwong Wah Hospital-Breast Center — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
- North District Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital-Department of oncology — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Prince of Wales Hospital-Department of Surgery — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Queen Mary Hospital-Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
- Queen Mary Hospital-Department of Oncology — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Queen Mary Hospital-Department of Surgery — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
- The University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING)
- Tung Wah Hospital-Department of Surgery — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wendy Wing Tak Lam, PhD — School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Wendy Wing Tak Lam, PhD
- Email: wwtlam@hku.hk
- Phone: +852 39179878
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.
Conditions: Neoplasms, Implementation study, Symptom distress screening, Survivorship care