Telehealth Consultations for Brain Cancer
Trial Summary
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.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Early START visit using checklist over telephone or zoom for brain cancer?
Research shows that using checklists can improve care coordination and communication for patients with brain tumors, and video consultations have been effective for providing psychological support to cancer patients at home, suggesting that telehealth methods like Early START visits could be beneficial.12345
Is telehealth generally safe for use in cancer care?
How is the Early START visit treatment for brain cancer different from other treatments?
The Early START visit treatment is unique because it uses telehealth (remote healthcare) to provide structured advanced care referrals through phone or video calls, which can improve coordination and communication for brain cancer patients. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling or need frequent consultations, offering a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional in-person visits.111121314
What is the purpose of this trial?
High grade gliomas (HGGs) are rapidly progressive brain tumors resulting in death for most patients between 6 months and 2 years after diagnosis. It is important for patients with HGG to discuss and document their wishes at the end of life. However, many of these patients experience early changes in cognition which impede their decision-making. For this reason, these patients should have early discussions with their providers. However, implementation of this remains challenging in clinical practice.In this study, we will create an Early STructured Advanced care Referrals by Telehealth (Early START) visit for patients soon after their initial oncology visit. A checklist and pre-visit guide were developed to help guide the visit for both the provider and patient. Providers will receive special training in running these visits. Caregivers and/or family members will be encouraged to participate. Visits will be done using video or telephone and recorded. For patients who do not have access to technology for these visits, it will be provided. After the visit, patients, caregivers and/or family who participated, and providers will fill out surveys to address feasibility of having these extra visits and improve the visits for future. Patients will be followed until death. Caregivers and/or family who participated will be asked about whether end of life was in line with the patient's wishes. We will also use the patient's medical record to assess other aspects of end of life. We will compare end of life outcomes with other similar patients treated at our center.
Research Team
Sara Hardy, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Rochester
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking patients who have been newly diagnosed with high-grade gliomas (WHO grade III or IV) within the past four months. It's not suitable for those with severe cognitive dysfunction or aphasia that would prevent them from discussing end-of-life care plans.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Early START Visit
A telehealth visit conducted to discuss and document end-of-life wishes using a checklist, within 4 months of diagnosis
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for end-of-life quality measures and concordance with goals of care until death
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Early START visit using checklist over telephone or zoom
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Rochester
Lead Sponsor