End-of-Life Health Care Decisions by Patients With Advanced Cancer (NCT02265601) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
End-of-Life Health Care Decisions by Patients With Advanced Cancer
200 participantsStarted 2008-03
Plain-language summary
This study is designed to help the investigators understand more about how people plan for their future medical needs, a process known as "advance care planning."
The study is under the direction of Michael J. Green, M.D., and Benjamin Levi, M.D. physicians at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Participation in the project takes place during a single visit to the Medical Center campus. During this one-to-three hour visit, participants complete several questionnaires and use a computer program that produces a printed advance directive that can be shared with their physicians and loved ones. Participants will receive compensation toward travel expenses.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 18 years of age or older
* able to give informed consent
* interested in participating in advance care planning
* able to read and understand English at an 8th grade level (per WRAT-3 screening test)
* advanced cancer (primary or metastatic), with estimated lifespan \< 6 months (as determined by their treating physician)
* cognitively able to engage in advance care planning (Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score \>23)
* absence of moderate or severe depression (BDI-II score \<20/63)
Exclusion Criteria:
* unable to read and understand English at an 8th grade level (per Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT-3))
* not cognitively able to engage in advance care planning (Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score \< 23)
* moderate or severe depression (BDI-II score \>20/63)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.