Digital Peer Navigation for Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byJackie Bender, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer experience unique challenges after completing treatment and face distinct barriers to optimal care and support. These challenges include higher levels of symptom burden and treatment complications, interrupted education, careers and relationships, and financial hardship. AYA lack access to peers, relevant information and emotional support, and report gaps in care when dealing with these difficult challenges. Digital peer navigation could help to address the needs of AYA and overcome barriers to care and support. The PI developed True North Peer Navigation (TrueNTH-PN), an evidence-based digital peer navigation program for men with prostate cancer and online peer navigator training course. The goal of this project is to adapt TrueNTH-PN for AYA and evaluate its feasibility to overcome barriers to care and support, and enhance patient activation among AYA during the challenging post-treatment phase. In partnership with AYA cancer survivors, the Canadian Cancer Society, Young Adult Cancer Canada, a digital app design firm and technology provider, our cross-Canada team will: (1) Adapt and evaluate the usability of the TrueNTH-PN app for AYA; (2) Adapt and evaluate the effectiveness of the Peer Navigator Training Course for AYA; and (3) Determine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the new AYA-PN program among post-treatment AYA cancer survivors. This project will produce an innovative solution to an important service gap in the lives of AYA with cancer. It has the potential to address the support needs of AYA, overcome barriers to care, and empower AYA to take proactive role in managing their health. In addition, it will give rise to AYA peer navigators with specialized skills, which could fill gaps in disrupted education and career paths, and help to attain future goals.

Research Team

Jackie Bender, PhD

Principal Investigator

UHN

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young adults aged 18-40 who were diagnosed with breast or testicular cancer, lymphoma, or sarcoma at ages 15-39. Participants should have finished initial cancer treatment within the last 6 months, be comfortable using the internet and email, and able to read and speak English.

Inclusion Criteria

You can understand and communicate in English.

I was diagnosed with breast, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or sarcoma between 15-39 years old.

You feel at ease using the internet.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Digital Peer Navigation (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests a digital peer navigation program adapted from TrueNTH-PN for adolescents and young adults (AYA) post-cancer treatment. It aims to evaluate its usability, effectiveness in training peer navigators, feasibility, acceptability among AYA survivors.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants assigned to the intervention arm will the receive digital peer navigation intervention.

Group II: Waitlist ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Participants assigned to the control arm will receive usual care. After completion of the study, they will have the option to receive the digital peer navigation intervention.