Health Coaching for Breast Cancer Survivors

Overseen By The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Non-black, Under 18, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The trial aims to determine if a coaching program can improve the quality of life for Black women who have survived breast cancer. A patient navigator, who guides patients through their healthcare journey, will offer support and advice on physical rehab, emotional well-being, and nutrition. The trial will assess the ease of participant recruitment and engagement. Black women who have completed treatment for stage I-III breast cancer may be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance support systems for future survivors.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this coaching-based navigation is safe for breast cancer survivors?

Research shows that patient navigation is safe and generally well-received by participants. Studies have found that it improves access to healthcare and treatment outcomes, especially for those who face barriers to care. The program aims to guide patients through the healthcare system by assisting with appointments, explaining treatments, and locating support services.

No evidence suggests harmful side effects from patient navigation itself. Instead, the program reduces stress and enhances the overall healthcare experience. This support is particularly beneficial for breast cancer survivors. Overall, patient navigation is considered a safe and supportive method to enhance participants' quality of life. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the patient navigation treatment for breast cancer survivors because it offers a personalized and culturally sensitive approach to support. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on medical interventions, this approach pairs patients with a Black patient navigator to provide racially concordant guidance and emotional support. This method acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by survivors in minority communities, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life. By focusing on personalized coaching, this approach aims to empower patients, offering tailored assistance that complements their medical care.

What evidence suggests that patient navigation is effective for improving the quality of life of black breast cancer survivors?

Research shows that patient navigation is highly effective for breast cancer care. Studies have found that these services help women maintain important follow-up screenings, which is vital for their ongoing health. Patient navigation assists patients in overcoming obstacles to obtaining necessary medical care and screenings. By offering support and guidance, it ensures patients receive the right care at the right time. This approach has been especially useful in making healthcare more accessible and improving outcomes. In this trial, participants will receive coaching from a Black patient navigator to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. The supportive role of navigation has proven beneficial in similar situations. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bridget A Oppong, MD

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Black women over the age of 18 who have been treated for stage I-III primary breast cancer and are now finished with their main treatment. It's designed to support these survivors as they transition out of active treatment.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Coaching-Based Navigation

Participants receive coaching from a Black patient navigator every other week for 3 months

3 months

6 visits (virtual)

Extended Coaching

Participants continue to receive coaching from a patient navigator monthly for an additional 3 months

3 months

3 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for quality of life and self-efficacy post coaching

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Patient Navigation

Trial Overview The study tests a coaching-based navigation program that helps participants access resources for physical rehab, emotional support, and guidance on nutrition and exercise to potentially improve their quality of life after breast cancer treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Health services research (patient navigator) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Patients are assigned a Black patient navigator for racial concordance and receive coaching from patient navigator over 30 minutes every other week for 3 months and then monthly for 3 months.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

350

Recruited

295,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5865251/

Patient Navigation Improves Subsequent Breast Cancer ... Our findings suggest that low-intensity navigation services can improve follow-up screening among women who receive a noncancerous result.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8962605/

Assessment of patient navigation programs for breast ... The objective of this study was to conduct a baseline assessment of navigation processes at six Boston hospitals that provide breast cancer care.

3. hematologyadvisor.com hematologyadvisor.com/news/patient-navigation-improves-rates-cancer-screening-follow-up/

Patient Navigation Improves Rates of Cancer Screening ... A systematic review showed that patient navigation services led to increases in rates of breast cancer screening and follow-up and cervical ...

4. womenspreventivehealth.org womenspreventivehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/Patient-Navigation-Evidence-Review-Nov-25-2024.pdf

Patient Navigation Services for Breast and Cervical Cancer ... Patient navigation services are provided by healthcare systems to help patients overcome barriers to cancer screening and follow-up as they move ...

5. acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21788

Patient navigation across the cancer care continuum: An ... Patient navigation is a strategy for overcoming barriers to reduce disparities and to improve access and outcomes. The aim of this umbrella ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11063100/

Patient Navigation in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review The findings suggest that patient navigation plays a crucial role in improving access to care and optimizing treatment outcomes, especially for disadvantaged ...

7. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.6572

Impact of patient navigation on breast cancer outcomes One potential impact of PN program was dramatic increase in proportion of insured patients. Overall survival was not influenced by the PN program. Conclusions: ...

8. accc-cancer.org accc-cancer.org/docs/Documents/oncology-issues/articles/2003-2016/2016/JF16/jf16-patient-navigation-metrics

Patient Navigation Metrics Clinical outcomes metrics are much more familiar to healthcare providers as clinicians have always measured success through patient clinical outcomes. Example ...

9. prescancerpanel.cancer.gov prescancerpanel.cancer.gov/reports-meetings/enhancing-patient-navigation-2024/achieving-equity-cancer-care

Part I. Achieving Equity in Cancer Care: The Need for ... Patient navigation is an evidence-based intervention that was developed to address disparities in cancer care and outcomes.