Social Needs App for Cancer

(SNAP-On II Trial)

Enrolling by invitation at 2 trial locations

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: JHSPH Center for Clinical Trials

Disqualifiers: CNS cancers, Upper extremity cancers

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a mobile app designed to help cancer patients connect with resources for basic needs such as housing, food, and transportation. Patients will use the app before surgery to identify their needs. The treatment group will connect to community resources, while the control group will use a tool to discuss family cancer risks. The trial seeks patients diagnosed with cancer who require surgery with an overnight hospital stay and have access to a smartphone or computer. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients a unique opportunity to access potentially helpful resources and support during their cancer treatment journey.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using a mobile app to connect you with social resources, so it's unlikely to require changes to your medication.

What prior data suggests that this mobile app is safe for cancer patients?

Research has shown that the Social Needs App, developed by PistevoDecision, assists cancer patients by connecting them to local resources such as housing, food, and transportation. Studies have found that similar apps can help patients manage their needs more effectively.

While specific safety data for this app is unavailable, similar mobile apps typically pose a low risk of issues. They primarily offer information and connections rather than medical treatments, making them generally user-friendly.

Experts note that all apps carry some risks, mainly concerning data privacy and information accuracy. However, the app aims to support patients without causing physical harm. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Social Needs App for cancer patients because it offers a unique approach to addressing social determinants of health (SDH) needs. Unlike traditional cancer care, which primarily focuses on medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, this app connects patients with resources tailored to their specific social and emotional needs through a platform called Findhelp. The app is designed to help patients manage their care by providing personalized support before and after surgery, potentially reducing stress and improving overall well-being. This innovative approach could complement medical treatments, offering a more holistic way to support cancer patients in their journey.

What evidence suggests that the Social Needs App could be effective for cancer patients?

Research has shown that mobile apps can assist cancer patients by connecting them to essential resources like housing and food. In this trial, participants in the treatment group will use the Carealth App, which aims to address social determinants of health (SDH) needs by referring users to resources through Findhelp. One study demonstrated that a similar app model improved cancer patients' physical health after three months. Another study found that using an app to check for social needs effectively collected important information for healthcare teams. This early evidence suggests the app could enhance overall health and recovery for cancer patients by addressing these critical needs. While specific data on the Carealth App is still being gathered, these findings offer promising insights into its potential benefits. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lorraine Dean, ScD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer patients over 18, who need surgery with an overnight hospital stay and have a low risk of complications. They must read English, access the internet on a device, and be willing to use the Carealth app. Excluded are those with upper extremity or central nervous system cancers that could hinder app usage.

Inclusion Criteria

I do not have any surgeries planned within the next 2 weeks.

I either have no signs of cancer spread, am in my first round of treatment for spread cancer, or expected to live 6 months or more.

I have been diagnosed with a specific type of cancer.

Exclusion Criteria

I have cancer in my upper body that makes it hard to use my phone or apps.

I have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord cancer.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-surgery Assessment

Participants complete questions about their social needs in the Carealth app and are connected to resources if in the treatment group

Up to surgery date

1 visit (virtual)

Post-surgery Monitoring

Participants are monitored for 30-day readmission and missed visits, with reminders based on discharge instructions

90 days

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Needs App

Trial Overview

The SNAP ON II study compares two groups: one uses the Carealth Phone App to connect with resources like housing and food support before surgery; the other group gets information about family cancer risks from a CDC tool.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Carealth App Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in the treatment group will complete questions about their SDH needs in the Carealth app. Those with SDH needs will be referred to resources to meet those needs through Findhelp embedded into the app. Participants in the treatment group will complete this information pre-surgery, which will be considered a baseline measurement at the start of their participation in the trial. Participants in the treatment group will also receive reminders based on the post-surgery discharge instructions.

Group II: Let's Talk: Sharing information about Family Cancer Risk Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants in the control group will complete questions about their SDH needs in the Carealth mobile app but will not have any helpful resources attached to it that meet these needs. Instead, as an attention control, control group participants will be sent to an interactive tool created and validated by the Centers for Disease Control called Let's Talk: Sharing Info About Your Family Cancer Risk. This is an interactive tool that patients can use to learn about how to talk with their family members about the family member's cancer risk.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

JHSPH Center for Clinical Trials

Lead Sponsor

Trials

14

Recruited

11,200+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A scoping review of 10 studies involving cancer patients identified various predictors of adherence to mHealth apps, but no definitive predictor for increased app usage was established.

The review highlights the need for further research into usage patterns to enhance the design and effectiveness of mHealth interventions in cancer care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of Adherence to Cancer-Related mHealth Apps in Cancer Patients Undergoing Oncological or Follow-Up Treatment-A Scoping Review. Armbruster, C., Knaub, M., Farin-Glattacker, E., et al.[2023]

The BPSS app, designed to support breast cancer patients during chemotherapy, did not show significant improvements in anxiety, depression, or health literacy compared to patients who did not use the app, based on a study of 102 patients.

Despite the lack of improvement in psychological outcomes, the app effectively recorded a high number of side effects, revealing that medical staff often underestimated the severity of patients' symptoms, suggesting the app could enhance communication and care between patients and healthcare providers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a Smartphone Application as a Support Tool for Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Handa, S., Okuyama, H., Yamamoto, H., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 356 cancer patients, the telephone caseworker (TCW) model showed a significant improvement in physical functioning at 3 months compared to usual care, suggesting potential benefits of this intervention.

Participants in the TCW model reported better communication with their healthcare team and were more likely to have their needs addressed, indicating that this model may help in managing psychosocial needs, although no overall intervention effect was observed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of two supportive care interventions on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and unmet needs in patients with nonlocalized breast and colorectal cancers. Girgis, A., Breen, S., Stacey, F., et al.[2022]

The study aims to evaluate a smartphone application designed for real-time reporting of adverse events in cancer treatments, which could enhance early detection and management of side effects, ultimately improving patient safety and treatment outcomes.

The trial will involve 66 patients over six months, assessing the feasibility of the app and comparing the quality of life and therapy doses between those using the app and those receiving standard care, highlighting the importance of patient-reported symptoms in cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Digitalization of adverse event management in oncology to improve treatment outcome-A prospective study protocol. Kestler, AMR., Kühlwein, SD., Kraus, JM., et al.[2021]

Citations

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Social Needs App for Oncology Patients Phase II

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withpower.com

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Social Needs App for Cancer (SNAP-On II Trial)

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Mobile app activity engagement by cancer patients and ...

This study assessed app engagement, defined as adherence, timing, and attrition with two smartphone applications, one for adult cancer patients and one for ...

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S113063432300154X

Patient-reported outcomes and mobile applications. A ...

Most of the studies focused on measuring the impact of the app on the patients' quality of life (50.0%), control of clinical parameters (46.2%), adherence (38.5 ...