Background: In Canada, lung cancer accounts for approximately 25% of cancer deaths each year. There are also known sociodemographic and racial inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Studies have consistently found that patients with cancer have a high number of unmet needs, including psychological, physical, and informational. Navigation programs represent a potentially promising, equitable, and cost-effective approach to address the unmet needs of patients with lung cancer, but there is limited evidence about their effectiveness in patients with lung cancer. The investigators developed and have implemented a volunteer lay navigator program, Care and Connect (C\&C), which aims to proactively reduce distress in patients, provide information and support, and increase access to treatment and supportive care resources. The proposed pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) project plans to 1) assess the feasibility and acceptability of referral to C\&C and, 2) examine the preliminary effectiveness of C\&C. Methods: The current study is a 2-arm, parallel group, mixed methods, pilot RCT with a 1:1 allocation ratio and 3 timepoints: baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2). It is designed to test the trial feasibility and acceptability of the C\&C intervention in patients with lung cancer. In total, 50 participants will be randomized to receive the C\&C intervention or usual care only (25 per arm). At each timepoint, data will be collected on participants' access to psychosocial (PSO) services, psychological wellbeing, and satisfaction with care through participant medical record and a survey. To gain additional insights regarding the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of C\&C, a subset of 15 participants from the intervention group will be contacted for qualitative exit interviews. Expected outcomes: There is limited evidence about the effects of lay navigation programs on access to PSO services among patients with lung cancer. This work addresses this knowledge gap by evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of C\&C on patients with lung cancer. The findings of the proposed work will expand the body of evidence supporting lay navigation to the lung cancer population, contributing to the evidence base for patient-centred care.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Feasibility Assessed by Recruitment Rates
Timeframe: From study start date to the end of treatment at 6 months
Feasibility Assessed by Questionnaire Completion
Timeframe: From study start date to the end of treatment at 6 months
Feasibility Assessed by Questionnaire Completion
Timeframe: From study start date to the end of treatment at 6 months
Feasibility Assessed by Protocol Adherence
Timeframe: From study start date to the end of treatment at 6 months
Acceptability
Timeframe: This measure will be administered at 3 months and 6 months