A Patient Navigation Program to Increase Access to Early Supportive Care in Patients With Stage IV Solid Tumors

A Patient Navigation Program to Increase Access to Early Supportive Care in Patients With Stage IV Solid Tumors

In this randomized clinical trial, patients with Stage IV solid tumors will be enrolled in a patient navigator-led generalist palliative and supportive care intervention or in usual care led by their treating physician. The patient navigator will assess the patient's palliative and supportive care needs using standardized quality of life and symptoms questionnaires and present this assessment to a multidisciplinary team composed of oncologists and palliative care specialist. The multidisciplinary team will develop a personalized supportive care plan for the patient which will then be presented and discussed by the patient navigator. Those interventions which are accepted by the patient will be implemented by the patient navigator, who will also provide education and teaching. The patient navigator will also help eligible patients complete advanced directives according to local rules and regulations. The patient navigator will follow the patients both in person and by telephone to ensure that the recommended interventions have been implemented. Three months after enrollment the patients will undergo quality of life and symptom assessment once again, and the implementation of interventions will be recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female patients 18 years of age and older
2. Newly diagnosed stage IV solid tumor
3. Recurrent stage IV solid tumor

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Homeless persons
2. History of drug abuse or alcoholism
3. Patients suffering from major psychotic disorders or uncontrolled psychiatric disorders
4. Mentally disabled patients
5. Incarcerated patients