Getting Oriented And Learn about Research (GOAL) – A Cancer Center New Patient Clinical Trial Orientation study

 

Background

In February 2016, the National Cancer Institute published a study about clinical trial enrollment among adults with cancer. Currently, it’s estimated that fewer than 5 percent of adults with cancer enroll in a clinical treatment trial. Two key barriers that can prevent patients from taking part in clinical trials are knowledge gaps and “negative attitudes,” explained lead investigator Neal J. Meropol, M.D., of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

  • Knowledge gaps can range from not understanding what a clinical trial is to not knowing the requirements for informed consent.
  • Negative attitudes encompass a variety of issues, including concerns about randomization, side effects, quality of care, and placebos.
  • Following targeted education for the study, 21 percent of patients in each group enrolled in a clinical trial within six months of reviewing the educational materials.
 

Purpose

The Mosaic Life Care Cancer team designed a project to understand more about concerns among patients in St. Joseph and the surrounding communities we serve. We interviewed patients as they were starting treatment at the cancer center and again at the end of treatment.

 

Results

Following an educational video, 59 percent understood what clinical research is and 11 percent would be willing to participate in a clinical research trial if they were to qualify.

 

Future Implications

  • Educate the public on the benefits offered by clinical trials and the meaning it can have to participate in future lifesaving treatments.
  • Tailored interventions, based on an individual needs, can be very effective in increasing participation in clinical trials.
  • The team will evaluate the best time to approach new patients in the cancer center.
  • Identify efficient recruitment processes, enhanced technology opportunities and points of entry to discuss clinical trial options with providers, as well as patients.

Contact Us

If you have been recently diagnosed with cancer, contact us at (816) 271-1301 to schedule an appointment in any of our four locations.