A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Social Network Intervention for Older Patients With Cancer
University of Rochester
Summary
This is a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and structure of the SONATA intervention. In addition, it will assess the preliminary efficacy of SONATA compared to enhanced usual care among 70 older adults with advanced cancer.
Description
Older adults (aged ≥65) with advanced cancer are living longer due to more effective treatments, but their median survival remains around one year. We have shown that this population experiences a high prevalence of aging-related conditions, including functional and cognitive impairments, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms. These conditions heighten their vulnerability to treatment toxicities and increase their need for assistance with daily activities. Together, these challenges impair older adults' ability to manage their care (patient activation) and reduce their overall quality of…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Patients Inclusion criteria: * Age ≥65 years * A diagnosis of advanced or likely incurable cancer, as determined by the primary oncologist * Able to speak English * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion criteria: * Any psychiatric or cognitive impairments interfering with participation as determined by the oncology team * Unwilling to complete study procedures Social Network Members (if available, for intervention arm only) Inclusion criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Identified as an SN member by the patient in the intervention arm * Able to speak English * Able to provide informed conse…
Interventions
- BehavioralSONATA
SONATA includes six evidence-based components to help patients: 1) identify and set personal goals to achieve well-being (goal-setting); 2) identify their social network (SN) members and map their SNs (network diagnostics); 3) engage key SN members to address their goals and needs (network engagement); 4) build channels for communication and collaboration with key SN members via in-person and virtual activities (opportunity creation); 5) communicate effectively with their key SN members, develop action plans, and provide support (skill building); and 6) engage in cycles of feedback to effectively respond to the patient's evolving needs.
Location
- University of RochesterRochester, New York