Peer Navigation for Prostate Cancer

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byJackie Bender, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Male

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?One in nine Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) in their lifetime. Although all treatment options can be effective in controlling the disease, treatment side effects such as problems with erections and controlling the bladder can significantly affect men's quality of life. Many men with PC say they do not get relevant information and emotional support, and experience gaps in care when dealing with these difficult issues. Previous studies have shown that cancer patient navigation improves access to care and support, and reduces healthcare costs. The investigators developed True North Peer Navigation - a peer navigation program for men with PC and a peer navigator training course. Men are matched online with a trained peer navigator who provides practical information and emotional support through the cancer journey. A pilot evaluation showed that it is highly acceptable to patients and peer navigators, and improves patient quality of life, social support and ability to manage their health. In this study, the investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial of the True North Peer Navigation program in cancer centres in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive True North Peer Navigation or an active wait list control consisting of usual care with access to information on the True North Peer Navigation website. The investigators will evaluate the effect of the True North Peer Navigation program on patient outcomes such as their ability to take a more active role in their health, quality of life, social support and use of health care services. In addition, the investigators will evaluate how True North Peer Navigation was implemented, the experiences patients and peer navigators, the factors that make it easier or harder for people to deliver the program to patients in different settings, as well as the cost of delivering the program, which will help us learn how to spread the program across the country.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Canadian men who've recently finished prostate cancer treatment within the last 3 months, can read and speak English, and have an email or are willing to create one. It's not for those with advanced metastatic disease, receiving palliative care, or unwilling to be randomly assigned.

Inclusion Criteria

My prostate cancer is not spreading rapidly.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not open to being randomly assigned to a treatment group.

I am receiving care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

My cancer has spread to other parts of my body.

Treatment Details

The study tests a web-based peer navigation program where men with prostate cancer receive guidance from trained peers online. The goal is to see if this support improves their quality of life and health management compared to usual care plus website information access.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants assigned to the intervention arm will receive the True North Peer Navigation intervention.

Group II: Active Waitlist ControlExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants assigned to the control arm will receive usual care and access to an online health resource library. After completion of the study, they will receive the True North Peer Navigation intervention.