This is a single arm, pre-post, pilot study assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the ALIGN intervention in metastatic adult cancer patients discharging to local area SNFs.
A novel approach for delivering high quality palliative care for cancer patients discharging to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) is critically needed. This investigator plans to test a palliative care social work led intervention called ALIGN (Assessing and Listening to Individual Goals and Needs) that aims to define patient and caregiver goals, facilitate communication between patients and their care teams, and develop a patient-centered plan that accompanies the patient across all future health system transitions. The central hypothesis is that implementation of ALIGN is feasible and acceptable for cancer patients and their caregivers and SNF staff.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
The ALIGN intervention was developed by the Holding Group, an independent partnership of palliative care-trained social workers. The intervention is theory driven, patient/caregiver centered, addresses palliative care and psychosocial issues, and integrates with health care teams. Working in collaboration with KPCO and Dr. Stacy Fischer (primary mentor), the Holding Group tested the ALIGN intervention in the LTAC and SNF setting (Preliminary Studies). The Holding Group will be the intervention personnel providing psychosocial care that targets communication, goal alignment, and caregiver support.
University of Colorado Hospital
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Subject retention
This investigator anticipates the study to be feasible if enrollment and retention rates of patients and caregivers are within 60% of the goal and if, of those enrolled, 70% of patients and caregivers complete the intervention.
Time frame: Two Years
Qualitative interviews of ALIGN participants
Study staff will conduct individual semi-structured interviews with 15 patients and 15 caregivers who receive the ALIGN intervention.
Time frame: 1.5 years
Qualitative interviews of SNF staff
Exit interviews will be conducted with 10 SNF front line staff (social worker, medical director, care manager, director of nursing) from SNF's that had 2 or more patients that received the intervention.
Time frame: 1.5 years
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.