A Study to Characterize Access to Specialty Care Received by American Indians/Alaska Natives (NCT05624788) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Study to Characterize Access to Specialty Care Received by American Indians/Alaska Natives
United States84 participantsStarted 2022-12-02
Plain-language summary
This is an observational study to define current care pathways for American Indian or Alaska Native patients who require specialty care and potential feasibility of conducting clinical research within the existing framework. The study is designed with the flexibility to enroll patients with any indication requiring referral to one of the following specialists: neurologist, ophthalmologist, or oncologist. Eligible patients will have recently (≤6 months) been referred to a specialty care provider and not yet seen a specialist (in addition to meeting the other eligibility criteria). The PPD virtual site can enroll patients from anywhere across the United States.
The study will collect data to determine whether a patient was seen by a specialist, diagnosed with a specialized disease, patient characteristics potentially associated with being seen or not seen by a specialist, and the reasons/barriers why a patient was not seen by a specialist through a number of patient surveys.
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:
* Ability to read English at 8th grade proficiency or have a household member willing to assist in translation to complete patient surveys
* Self-identification as American Indian or Alaska Native
* Referred to a neurologist, ophthalmologist, or oncologist for the first time within 6 months of screening and has not been seen by the specialist. Exception: Patients referred to an oncologist who have had a first-time visit with an oncologist but have a pending follow-up visit or pending referral visit within 6 months of screening may be included in the study.
* Personal landline or cell phone and/or access to internet
* Willingness to complete all surveys in the study and participate for 12 months
Exclusion Criteria:
* Currently under the care of a specialist (neurologist, ophthalmologist, or oncologist) to whom they are being referred to by the primary care provider (i.e., to be eligible, the specialty care physician should be new to the participant) at time of screening
* Currently or planned to receive care that requires in participant visits for the indication requiring referral from the primary care provider (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy for cancer diagnosis). Exception: Patients referred to an oncologist who have had a first-time visit with an oncologist but have a pending follow-up visit or pending referral visit may be included in the study.
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
Percentage of All Participants Seen by a Specialist for Advanced Care After Primary Care Provider Referral to a Specialist at 6 Months
Timeframe: 6 Months
2
Percentage of All Participants Seen by a Specialist for Advanced Care After Primary Care Provider Referral to a Specialist at 12 Months