TerminatedNot Applicable

Supporting Doctor-patient Communication in Oncology

Norway180 participantsStarted 2014-04

Plain-language summary

Aims of study While various communication aids have been evaluated separately, no studies have taken a coordinated approach combining aids with different goals to evaluate their combined impact. In this study the investigators will use two communication aids; a QPL and an audio recording of the consultation. QPLs includes question concerning treatment options, but few studies involving QPLs have explored whether QPLs result in patients taking a more active role in the consultation. To our knowledge there have not been studies which objectively try to explore whether patients receiving QPLs participates in shared decision making to a greater extent, except for one ongoing Italian trial of breast cancer patients. To explore and describe how communication aids as a QPL and an audio recording of the consultation improve the first doctor-patient consultation at the oncology outpatient clinic by 1. Encouraging patients/caregivers to ask more questions, particularly about sensitive topics such as prognosis (as an effect of QPL alone) 2. Increasing shared decision-making (as an effect of QPL alone) 3. Improving overall satisfaction with the consultation and information retrieved (as an effect of both communication aids) 4. Affecting quality of life/anxiety/depression (as an effect of both communication aids)

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 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: * Norwegian speaking cancer patients at their first consultation at the outpatient clinic with newly diagnosed cancer or relapse of cancer. * Age 18 and above who has given written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Mental impairment which will make informed consent difficult to retrieve. * Not having access to computer/device to listen to audio file.

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.

What they're measuring

Difference in number of questions asked, and especially concerning prognosis.

Timeframe: At day of first consultation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02278900

SponsorUniversity Hospital of North Norway

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-11

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