Digital Cancer Care System for Mental Illness and Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual tumor board for cancer and mental illness for patients with serious mental illness and a new cancer diagnosis. The study also examines the impact on patient care, psychiatric symptoms, and clinician self-efficacy in managing this population.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression) who also have a new diagnosis of stage I-IV breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or head and neck cancer. They must speak English fluently and be recently referred to MGH Danvers for oncology consultation.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

Verbal fluency in English

I have or am suspected to have a new stage I-IV cancer in breast, lung, GI tract, genitourinary system, or head and neck.

+2 more

Exclusion Criteria

My cancer has come back and is the same type as before.

I am not fluent in speaking English.

I cannot understand or complete simple study tasks or give informed consent, and I don't have a guardian to help.

Participant Groups

The study is testing the effectiveness of a virtual tumor board that addresses both cancer and mental health issues. It aims to see if this approach helps in patient care management, reduces psychiatric symptoms, and boosts clinician confidence in treating these patients.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Tumor Board ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This intervention has three parts: Part 1: Proactive identification and assessment of patient needs, values, psychiatric symptoms, and illness understanding Part 2: Virtual tumor board discussion o Bring together expertise in mental illness and cancer, the interdisciplinary team will co-design an integrated cancer and mental health treatment plan. Key strategies include: addressing resource-related barriers to care, framing next steps in terms of patient values, and identifying action steps to address barriers to psycho-oncology/specialty oncology expertise Part 3: Closed Loop Communication o Tumor board recommendations shared with treating oncologist, documented in medical record, and shared with patient. Team tracks steps taken to address barriers to care and follows up with patient at 12 weeks.