BC/WC Communication Tool for Cancer Decision Making in Older Adults

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Caroline Eskandar

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Disqualifiers: Second opinion only, Phone discussion, Other study, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

65 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a minimal risk, pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (CRT) to determine the feasibility and acceptability of training medical oncologists to use the Best Case/Worst Case-Geriatric Oncology (BC/WC-GeriOnc) communication tool in clinical practice with older adults with cancer.

Research Team

Rebecca Debouer, MD, MA

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults aged 65 or above with any stage of solid tumor cancer, who are about to make a treatment decision. They must be able to understand and consent to the study, have adequate mental capacity, and speak English. Oncologists participating need to treat at least 10 such patients annually and commit to the study's duration.

Inclusion Criteria

My health status, organ function, or other illnesses do not affect my eligibility.

You will need to meet with a medical oncologist in person or through a video call to discuss your treatment options.

I have been diagnosed with a solid tumor cancer at any stage.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Lead-In

Oncologists complete BC/WC-GeriOnc communication tool training and record decision-making discussions with patients

1 month

Multiple visits for training and discussions

Cluster Randomized Trial (CRT)

Oncologists are randomized to intervention or control, with decision-making discussions recorded and questionnaires completed

2 months

Multiple visits for discussions and questionnaires

Follow-up

Participants and caregivers complete follow-up questionnaires and interviews about decision-making and communication

2 months

1 semi-structured interview

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Best Case/Worst Case-Geriatric Oncology (BC/WC-GeriOnc) communication tool

Trial Overview The trial tests a communication tool called BC/WC-GeriOnc designed for oncologists when discussing treatment options with elderly cancer patients. It aims to see if training doctors in this method is practical and well-received in real-world settings.

Participant Groups

Group I: Lead-In (BC/WC-GeriOnc) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Lead-in phase oncologists will complete the BC/WC-GeriOnc communication tool training. Cancer treatment decision-making discussions will be recorded with 2 patients per oncologist and ask patients and oncologists to complete study questionnaires over one-month follow-up and one semi-structured interview about the decision-making process and communication.

Group II: Intervention (BC/WC-GeriOnc) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Intervention group oncologists will complete the BC/WC-GeriOnc communication tool training. Cancer treatment decision-making discussions will be recorded with 2 patients per oncologist to understand baseline oncologist practices and communication. Patients and oncologists will be asked to complete study questionnaires over a 2 month follow-up and 1 semi-structured interview. For each randomized oncologist, cancer treatment decision-making discussions will be recorded with 5 patients per oncologist. Both patients and oncologists will also be asked to complete study questionnaires over a 2 month follow-up and 1 semi-structured interview about the decision-making process and communication. Each patient will be given the option to select 1 caregiver to participate. Caregivers will be asked to complete study questionnaires and a semi-structured interview about their decision-making experience.

Group III: Waitlist Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Usual care will be provided to the patients, with optional training for the oncologists at study completion.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Mount Zion Health Fund

Collaborator

Trials

13

Recruited

930+