Room Setting Preferences for Cancer Care
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to understand the room setting and waiting time preferences of cancer patients and their caregivers at an outpatient supportive care center. By collecting opinions, researchers hope to improve patient and caregiver experiences during care visits. Participants complete a short questionnaire either in-person or by phone shortly after a care visit. Eligible participants include patients with advanced cancer who have seen a specialist at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and have a consenting caregiver with them. As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to directly influence and enhance the supportive care environment for themselves and others.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this questionnaire is safe for patients and caregivers?
Research has shown that studying room preferences and waiting times is safe, as no physical treatments are involved. This trial requires only the completion of a questionnaire, eliminating risks associated with drugs or medical procedures. Participants will simply share their opinions, which does not impact their health.
Labeled as "Not Applicable" for phase, this trial does not test new drugs or medical procedures. It focuses solely on gathering information about preferences. Answering questions poses no side effects or health risks.
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how room settings and waiting times impact the experience of cancer care for patients and their caregivers. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on medical interventions, this trial investigates the potential psychological and emotional benefits of personalized care environments. By understanding these preferences, the trial aims to enhance overall patient satisfaction and potentially improve outcomes by creating a more supportive and comforting atmosphere during treatment.
What evidence suggests that room setting preferences are important for cancer care?
This study does not evaluate treatment effectiveness. Instead, it explores cancer patients' and their caregivers' preferences for room settings and waiting times. Participants will complete a questionnaire to share their preferences regarding the environment when receiving supportive or palliative care. Although the study does not test a new drug or therapy, understanding these preferences can enhance comfort and improve the overall patient experience. Thus, the study focuses on enhancing the patient experience rather than providing data on treatment effectiveness.
Who Is on the Research Team?
MarieBerta Vidal
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Participants must be first-time visitors to the UTMDACC outpatient Supportive Care Center, able to give informed consent, and read/speak English or Spanish. Patients with delirium, dementia, or without a caregiver are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Supportive Care (questionnaire)
Patients and their caregivers complete a questionnaire over 15 minutes either in person or over the phone within 3 days after their supportive care center visit
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for their preferences and perceptions regarding room setting and waiting time
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Preference of Room Setting and Waiting Time
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator