Interviews and Focus Groups for Cancer Treatment Access

Overseen By John Lin, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Pregnancy

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to understand the challenges and supports people encounter when accessing cancer treatment in Texas. Participants will join either online focus groups or interviews to share experiences related to obtaining timely cancer care. The study focuses on individuals with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer at any stage who speak English or Spanish. Participants should feel comfortable discussing their experiences and be willing to engage in the study's activities. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to improving cancer care access for future patients.

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 focuses on interviews and discussions about cancer treatment access, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that these focus groups and interviews are safe?

Previous studies have shown that online focus groups reliably and practically gather information, even on sensitive topics like cancer. Researchers have developed guidelines to ensure participants feel safe during these discussions, particularly when topics may be emotionally challenging.

Research also shows that semi-structured interviews effectively identify gaps in medical care. Studies have safely used these interviews with cancer patients to better understand their experiences.

Both online focus groups and semi-structured interviews are well-established methods. Participants generally receive them well, with measures in place to protect their emotional well-being. No reports of serious negative effects or harm have emerged from participating in these types of studies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it focuses on understanding and improving access to cancer treatments through innovative communication methods. Unlike traditional medical treatments, this study uses online focus groups and semi-structured interviews to gather insights directly from patients. These methods aim to highlight barriers and facilitators in accessing cancer care, which could lead to more patient-centered healthcare solutions. By engaging participants from the Texas Cancer Registry, the trial hopes to uncover valuable data that could shape future policies and improve access to cancer care for more people.

What evidence suggests that this trial's methods could be effective for improving cancer treatment access?

This trial will compare two methods: online focus groups and semi-structured interviews, to explore cancer treatment access. Research has shown that joining online cancer communities, similar to the focus groups in this trial, can improve mood, reduce stress, and lessen pain. Support groups led by professionals have positively impacted patient health. However, the benefits of online support require further study, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

In this trial, researchers will also conduct semi-structured interviews. Studies on semi-structured interviews reveal that they can identify gaps in care and provide insights into what patients expect and experience during cancer treatment. These interviews offer a better understanding of patient needs and can highlight areas for care improvement. Both methods in this trial aim to enhance the overall experience and outcomes for cancer patients. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

John Lin, MD

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Texas residents who have been diagnosed with cancer. It aims to understand the factors that help or hinder timely cancer treatment across various types of cancers and insurance plans.

Inclusion Criteria

I speak either English or Spanish.

I am 18 years old or older.

Verbal consent will be obtained

Exclusion Criteria

Patients who are cognitively impaired

Pregnant women

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Data Collection

Participants engage in semi-structured interviews and focus groups to assess barriers and facilitators to cancer treatment

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after data collection

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Focus Groups
• Interviews

Trial Overview The study uses interviews and focus groups to gather information on what makes it easier or harder for people in Texas to get cancer treatment quickly, considering different cancers and insurance coverage.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Semi-structured Interview Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be recruited through the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR).

Group II: Online Focus Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be recruited through the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,107

Recruited

1,813,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5639205/

The Impact of Participation in Online Cancer Communities on ... The question of how patients' participating in online communities affects various patient reported outcomes (PROs) has been investigated in several ways.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738399111003624

Outcomes of online support and resources for cancer ... Existing studies of online cancer support and resources have demonstrated preliminary but inconclusive evidence for positive outcomes. We call for additional ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8626524/

An Online Survey and Focus Groups for Promoting Cancer ... Through online survey and focus groups, suggestions were sought, and the knowledge and the compliance with cancer prevention recommendations were assessed to ...

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-023-01515-w

Professionally led support groups for people living with ... Professionally led tumour-specific support groups demonstrate effectiveness in reducing mood disturbances, distress and pain among patients.

5. jmir.org jmir.org/2024/1/e63155/

Heuristics Identified in Health Data–Sharing Preferences of ... This study aimed to explore how patients with cancer use heuristics when deciding whether to share their data for research.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1438887120009425

Research Participants' Perspectives on Using an Electronic ... In 2017, plans to develop a CPS-3 participant portal began as a way to increase participant engagement and facilitate survey administration.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4877501/

Online Focus Group Discussion is a Valid and Feasible Mode ... The aim of the study was to evaluate online focus group discussions as a mode for data collection on sensitive issues among young persons with a cancer ...

8. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/16094069231216628

Prioritizing Participant Safety During Online Focus Groups ... We developed a set of protocols for conducting online focus groups with individuals whose experiences put them at high risk for emotional distress and social ...

9. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e56523/

Public Understanding and Expectations of Digital Health ... This study aimed to explore public understanding and expectations regarding the evidence required to demonstrate health apps' effectiveness.