Improving Goals of Care Discussion in Advanced Cancer Patients (NCT02374255) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Improving Goals of Care Discussion in Advanced Cancer Patients
United States265 participantsStarted 2016-03-15
Plain-language summary
The goal of this study is to increase and improve Goals of Care discussions for advanced cancer patients by training medical oncologists to conduct these discussions. The investigators will evaluate the GoC discussion's effects on patient satisfaction, receipt of treatment in line with preferences, use of aggressive treatment, and oncologist communication skill.
Who can participate
Age range
21 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:
* Men or women who are at least 21 years of age who have been diagnosed within one month with a pathologically confirmed advanced cancer who have an average of \<2 y life expectancy (primary stage IV hepatobiliary, esophageal, colorectal, glioblastoma, gastric, pancreatic, melanoma, head \& neck, or stage III or IV lung or pancreatic cancers) and are being treated at one of the participating hospital sites and speak English or Spanish.
* Oncologists who treat at least 2 advanced cancer patients per month at a study participating hospital will be enrolled into the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients who have seen an oncologist after undergoing first line treatment imaging as this group has a higher likelihood of having received a goals of care discussion.
* Men or women who do not speak English or Spanish will be excluded.
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
1
Number of Participants Who Perceived Increased Goals of Care Discussions
Timeframe: up to 6 months
2
Number of Patients Perception of Improved Goals of Care Discussions