The purpose of this study is to pilot the "ToPIC" tool, a communication tool to facilitate clinical trial decision making conversations between oncologists and patients.
The ToPIC tool is a structured delivery of important treatment-related information. The oncologist remains entirely in charge of the information delivered (e.g. what are the treatment options, what are the potential benefits) and uses the ToPIC framework to organize the information and create a pen and paper diagram for the patient to assist in their processing and deliberation. The tool creates a forum for a clear presentation of options and facilitates a patient's ability to express their individual preferences. Oncologists are the intervention population and will be trained in how to use the ToPIC communication tool. Volunteer oncologists will be randomly assigned to immediate training or wait list control. Oncologists who are randomly assigned to the intervention group will receive training, and once they have demonstrated competence with the tool, they will begin using the tool with their patients. Data collection for any patient whom they present treatment options which include a clinical trial will be included for the primary analysis related to recruitment for clinical trials. This collection will begin once the oncologist, regardless of their assigned group, has signed consent and been randomized.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
35
The Tool to improve Participation In Clinical Trials (ToPIC) is a communication tool to facilitate clinical trial decision making conversations between oncologists and patients.
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Number of patients that consent to a therapeutic trial.
Number of patients that consent to a therapeutic trial in the wait-list control vs. the trained oncologist groups. Per protocol, there is no timeframe within which patients need to consent. Due to the nature of oncology care, some patients are presented with the trial months before they are eligible, and the team follows up to see if they choose to consent if/when they are eligible.
Time frame: may be up to 4 months following appointment with Oncologist
Number of oncologists that can learn the ToPIC tool after 3 hours of training.
Oncologists will demonstrate their post-training competence with a standardized patient-actor encounter. Competency is assessed by a 4-person panel using a 20-point scoring system. A consensus score of 14 or above indicates competency.
Time frame: At completion of 3-hour training
Number of patients that enroll in a therapeutic trial.
Number of patients that enroll in a therapeutic trial in the wait-list control vs. the trained oncologist groups. Per protocol, there is no timeframe within which patients need to enroll. Enrollment in the trial may be prolonged due to extensive screening requirements.
Time frame: may be up to 6 months following consent
Number of patients that agree to hear about therapeutic trial.
Number of patients that agree to hear about therapeutic trial in the wait-list control vs. the trained oncologist groups. Physicians will be on study for up to 18 months once they are trained (ToPIC trained group) or enrolled (waitlist control group). The number of patients who agree to hear about the trial will be collected during the 18 month period.
Time frame: up to 18 months
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