Integrated Cancer Services in Thailand: A Prototype for Excellence (NCT07600294) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Integrated Cancer Services in Thailand: A Prototype for Excellence
Thailand358 participantsStarted 2024-03-02
Plain-language summary
Cancer is a significant health crisis globally and specifically within Thailand, where it affects more than 122,000 individuals every year and leads to approximately 86,000 deaths. Beyond the physical and emotional toll on patients, the disease creates immense social and economic challenges.
In Thailand, cancer treatment costs exceed 26 billion baht (about $800 million USD) annually. Families often face out-of-pocket costs for cancer care that exceed 30% to 40% of their total household income. Furthermore, the aging of Thai society and lifestyle changes-such as "Westernized" diets and sedentary behavior-are expected to drive these numbers even higher. This situation has created an urgent need for new healthcare models that reduce the burden on major hospitals and make care more accessible to the public. The Project Goal: A new model of care to address these challenges: Researchers developed a prototype Center of Excellence in Integrated Cancer Services. The goal was to test whether a specialized cancer unit could be successfully integrated into a local community clinic rather than functioning as a large, separate hospital.
The study used Donabedian's model to evaluate quality, focusing on three specific areas: Structure: The physical setting, equipment, and staff. Process: How the services are actually delivered and Outcomes: The results of the care and the satisfaction of those involved. Phase of Development and Implementation The project was a three-year initiative funded by the National Science, Research, and Innovation Fund of Thailand. Phase 1: Focused on the conceptual design of the center. Phase 2: Involved detailed planning and the development of digital information systems. This is at Phase 3: Focused on the actual implementation and testing of the prototype center in Bangkok
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:
* Group 1: Service Recipients
This group included patients and their family members who received services at the prototype center. The criteria for inclusion were the following:
Age: Must be 20 years or older. Capacity: Must be able to express their opinions regarding the comprehensive cancer services.
Consent: Must be willing to participate in the research study. Group 2: Service Providers
This group consisted of 30 healthcare professionals (such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists) directly involved in delivering care. The criteria for inclusion were:
,Age and Sex: Must be at least 20 years old; there were no restrictions regarding sex.
Professional Status: Must be actively providing services at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Excellence or its affiliated network facilities.
Knowledge Base: Must possess specific knowledge of the center's administrative and service systems.
Consent: Must express a willingness to participate in the study. Group 3: Cancer Care Experts
This group included 15 experts (administrators, academics, and researchers) who provided qualitative evaluation. The criteria for inclusion were:
Professional Experience: Must have a minimum of five years of experience in the field of cancer care.
Expertise: Must have the ability to provide deep insights into comprehensive cancer services.
Consent: Must be willing to participate in the research. Note: There were no restrictions regarding the sex or age of these experts.
Exc…
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
Satisfaction Levels with Service Delivery
Timeframe: Data was collected over the 12-month implementation period of Phase 3, from October 2023 to September 2024