Voices: sharing messages of wisdom and hope during illness

Voices: Messages of Wisdom and Hope in the Face of Illness

Observational Mayo Clinic · NCT07381179

This project will see if recording semi-structured interviews with adult cancer patients (and optional caregivers) affects patients' sense of dignity and caregiver support.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT07381179 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational project invites adult patients with hematologic or solid tumors and, if they choose, their primary caregivers to participate in recorded interviews. Participants complete a roughly 60-minute semi-structured recording and a single follow-up recording, complete surveys including the Patient Dignity Impact Scale, and allow review of their medical records. The main outcome is change in dignity impact scores before and after the recordings. All activities are conducted at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) with a chronic or progressive hematologic or solid malignancy who can complete a ~60-minute recorded interview and, if desired, involve a primary caregiver are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot tolerate a 60-minute recording because of uncontrolled illness or who lack capacity to consent are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify ways to preserve patient dignity and target additional support for patients and caregivers during treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Prior dignity-therapy and recorded legacy interventions in palliative care have shown improvements in dignity and psychological well-being in some studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Diagnosis of chronic or progressive illness with a primary caregiver, should patient wish to involve one
* Willing and able to participate in a semi-structured recording lasting approximately 60 minutes. Dyad recordings conducted for participants who elect to involve a caregiver
* Willing and able to participate in a single follow-up recording. Dyad follow up recordings conducted for participants who elect to involve a caregiver

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncontrolled and/or intercurrent illness which limits participation in study recording
* Vulnerable populations: persons lacking capacity for understanding participation in this study

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hematopoietic and Lymphatic System NeoplasmMalignant Solid Neoplasm
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.