Social Prescribing for Cancer Survivorship

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Washington

Disqualifiers: Palliative care, Controlled setting, Surgery, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 9 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to help cancer survivors feel less lonely and improve their overall quality of life. It focuses on "social prescribing," which encourages activities that foster social connections. Participants will either join the Social Prescribing Group to try this new method or continue with their usual care. This trial may suit English-speaking adults who are cancer survivors and feel lonely, particularly those treated for cancer in the last seven years. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance well-being and social connections.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this social prescribing intervention is safe for cancer survivors?

A previous study showed that social prescribing offers a safe way to support cancer survivors. It aims to improve well-being by addressing social needs and loneliness. Research has shown that social prescribing is both feasible and welcomed by those recovering from cancer. No major unexpected harmful effects were reported, suggesting it is well-tolerated. Participants generally found it helpful and experienced positive changes in their mental and social health. This makes social prescribing a safe option for those seeking to improve their quality of life after cancer treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Social Prescribing protocol for cancer survivorship because it introduces a holistic approach to post-treatment care. Unlike standard care, which often focuses solely on medical follow-ups and physical health, social prescribing emphasizes the importance of social well-being and community support. This method involves participants engaging in regular virtual meetings, promoting social connections and emotional health. By potentially reducing feelings of isolation and improving quality of life, this approach could complement traditional cancer care, offering a more comprehensive recovery experience.

What evidence suggests that social prescribing is effective for improving wellness and quality of life among cancer survivors?

This trial will compare the effects of social prescribing with usual care for cancer survivors. Studies have shown that social prescribing can enhance well-being and quality of life for these individuals. By connecting people to community support, this method helps reduce loneliness, which is crucial for mental health. Research indicates that patients involved in social prescribing feel more connected and supported. Evidence also suggests it can lead to better overall health. Although more research is needed, early findings are promising for improving the lives of those recovering from cancer. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sebastian Tong, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

University of Washington

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults (18+) who survived cancer diagnosed in the past 7 years, feel lonely based on a short survey, and have seen a primary care doctor at certain clinics recently. People can't join if they're in palliative care, live in assisted facilities, have major mental health issues, upcoming surgery, or were diagnosed with cancer as children.

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaking

A score greater or equal to 6 on the UCLA Loneliness 3-item Scale

Have had a primary care visit at a collaborating clinic in the past 2 years

Exclusion Criteria

Are on palliative care or live in a controlled setting (i.e., assisted living, nursing home or inpatient treatment facility)

I have a surgery planned soon.

Severe cognitive impairment or active psychosis

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a social prescribing intervention or usual care for 9 weeks

9 weeks

9 visits (virtual for Social Prescribing group)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in loneliness, social connection, self-efficacy, quality of life, depression, and anxiety

2 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Prescribing Group

Trial Overview

The study compares a new group-based social support program (social prescribing) to usual medical care to see if it helps reduce loneliness and improve quality of life for cancer survivors. Participants are assigned to either the intervention or usual care group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Usual Care Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be randomized to the Usual Care group (N=18). Participants in this group will resume to their usual standard of care for 9 weeks.

Group II: Social Prescribing Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be randomized to the Social Prescribing group (N=18). Social Prescribing group participants will meet for 60 mins via Zoom, for 9-weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Washington

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,858

Recruited

2,023,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13110229/

Social prescribing for people recovering from treatment ... - PMC

Social prescribing (SP) has emerged as a non-medical strategy to enhance cancer survivors' well-being by addressing psychosocial challenges ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11940869/

Feasibility and Acceptability of Social Prescribing for Cancer ...

There is emerging evidence that social prescribing may provide a range of health and well-being benefits and improved quality of life [6,7,8]; ...

3.

tara.tcd.ie

tara.tcd.ie/bitstreams/a87cb01f-d6fd-4b61-be5d-cd578be98db0/download

Examining the impact of a social prescribing service ... - TARA

Background: Early diagnosis and improved access to treatments has resulted in improved survival from cancer by 1% per year with currently over 150,000 cancer ...

4.

epub.uni-regensburg.de

epub.uni-regensburg.de/59515/1/Protocol_scoping_review_social_prescribing_and_cancer.pdf

Effectiveness of Social Prescribing in Cancer Care

The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of interventional studies on social prescribing in cancer patients. The results will help to identify ...

5.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/404200678_Social_prescribing_for_people_recovering_from_treatment_for_cancer_a_systematic_scoping_review

(PDF) Social prescribing for people recovering from ...

This scoping review updates current evidence on SP interventions, outcomes, and challenges among cancer survivors. Purpose To identify and map ...

6.

pure.southwales.ac.uk

pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/publications/social-prescribing-for-people-recovering-from-treatment-for-cance/

Social prescribing for people recovering from treatment ...

This scoping review updates current evidence on SP interventions, outcomes, and challenges among cancer survivors. Purpose: To identify and map ...

7.

canceradvocacy.org

canceradvocacy.org/2024-state-of-cancer-survivorship-survey/

2024 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey

This report examines key areas such as treatment decision-making, post-treatment care, clinical trial participation, side effects, and financial burdens.