Engagement of Veterans With Lung Cancer (EVLC)
Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research
Summary
This research study will help our understanding of whether additional support for Veterans with lung cancer can improve their quality of life.
Description
This study aims to evaluate whether a lay health worker who provides education and support regarding goals of care and symptom management can improve health-related quality of life among Veterans with newly diagnosed lung cancer and those receiving treatment or who have completed treatment within 12 months as compared to usual care. We will also determine whether the intervention reduces acute care use and explore effects on anxiety and depression, patient activation, and goals of care communication. This knowledge is important as it will help to improve care for Veterans with lung cancer. PR…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Veteran patients with diagnosis of any stage of lung cancer; 2. 18 years of age or older; 3. English- or Spanish-speaking; 4. can self-administer questionnaires in English or Spanish; 5. valid telephone number; 6. receiving oncology care at participating sites; 7. currently newly diagnosed or receiving or having completed systemic anti-cancer therapy and/or radiation therapy within 12 months, defined as oral, injection, or intravenous therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy) Exclusion Criteria: 1. no capacity to consent; 2. actively receiving hospice…
Interventions
- BehavioralLay Health Worker (LHW) Planning
Patients randomized to the LHW group will receive usual care provided by their oncology (or primary) clinical team along with an initial 30-minute telephone call with the LHW from Palo Alto, followed by weekly 15-minute phone calls (or as needed) for 6months. These calls are designed to assist with healthcare planning, symptom management, and discussions about care preferences and goals.
- OtherUsual Care Group
Participants randomized to the usual care group will receive usual care provided by their oncology clinical team. These teams have been trained in symptom assessment, goals-of-care (GoC) discussions, and documentation of such clinical services. As part of usual care, participants may engage in symptom and GoC discussions at any time, initiated by either the patient or the clinician.
Location
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS)Palo Alto, California