CompletedNot Applicable

Improving Access and Recruitment to Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer Patients

United Kingdom100 participantsStarted 2023-07-01

Plain-language summary

There are \~85,000 lung cancer patients (LCPs) in the UK; yet only around 8% were recruited into clinical trials in 2021/22. LCPs need opportunities to take part in clinical trials to access new treatments, increasing their quality of life, treatment choices and life expectancy. Discussions with nurses can help patients make better treatment decisions, improving experiences of care. However, research has shown that lung cancer nurses (LCNs) often feel unable to discuss participation in trials with patients due to lack of knowledge, confidence, time and training. This study aims to develop and test a research recruitment tool for LCNs, to support LCPs to enter clinical trials. Objectives include to: * Explore reasons for low uptake of LCPs into clinical trials * Develop a tool for LCNs to talk to patients about clinical trials * Test whether the tool improves the number and quality of discussions nurses have with LCPs about clinical trials The study has four phases: Phase 1: A literature review will identify problems that make clinical trial uptake difficult for LCPs, carers and clinicians Phase 2: Six group discussions with LCNs, patients and carers will explore issues that create potential barriers for patients taking part in clinical trials. The groups will take place online, last approximately one hour and be recorded. Phase 3: Part 1\&2 findings will help us develop a LCN research recruitment tool. The tool will contain information on how nurses obtain information about LC clinical trials, research teams, communication issues, practical issues and how to reach LCPs. Phase 4: The research recruitment tool will be tested in four UK NHS hospitals. A survey will identify any changes in nurses' clinical trials awareness and confidence before and after using the tool. Interviews with LCNs, patients and carers will explore their views on the tool, clinical trials participation and experiences of care.

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.

Healthcare staff Phase 2: Inclusion Criteria: * Actively involved in the clinical care pathways of lung cancer patients * Working at one of the six participating NHS trusts * Age between 18-65 years of age Exclusion criteria: * Not actively involved in frontline clinical care * Not involved in caring for lung cancer patients for at least 30% of their Patients/carers: Inclusion criteria: * Must have a current diagnosis of lung cancer (any stage) or be the named carer of a person with a lung cancer diagnosis * Under the care of (or caring for) one of the participating NHS Trusts lung cancer teams * Aged 18 or over Exclusion criteria: * Mesothelioma diagnosis or caring for someone with a mesothelioma diagnosis * Unable to provide informed consent Phase 4 Healthcare professionals Inclusion criteria: * Registered nurse with Nursing and Midwifery Council * Actively involved in the clinical care pathways of lung cancer patients * Working at one of the six participating NHS trusts * Age between 18-65 years of age Exclusion criteria: * Not actively involved in frontline clinical care * Not involved in caring for lung cancer patients for at least 30% of their role * Employed as a lung cancer research delivery nurse Patients/carers: Inclusion criteria: * Current diagnosis of lung cancer (any stage) or be the named carer of a person with a lung cancer diagnosis * Aged 18 or over * Consented to (or carer of someone who has consented to) a clinical trial since start of pil…

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

self-efficacy

Timeframe: six months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05888584

SponsorOxford Brookes University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-03-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Lung Cancer trials