Mobile Health Application (PACT) to Improve Engagement in Advance Care Planning

Planning Advance Care Together (PACT) to Improve Engagement in Advance Care Planning

This clinical trial tests a new mobile health application (app) called Planning Advance Care Together (PACT) to help people with cancer talk about and plan for advance care planning (the care they would want if they were unable to communicate) with their loved ones and doctors. The development of the PACT mobile app may help future patients incorporate their social network (typically, but not exclusively, family) into the advance care planning process.

OUTLINE: Patients and support persons are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM I: Participants use PACT mHealth app for up to 4 weeks and receive one check-in call on study.

ARM II: Participants engage in standard care with no modifications for up to 4 weeks.

After completion of study intervention, participants are followed up at 3 and 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• PATIENT: Diagnosis of poor prognosis advanced cancer defined as locally advanced or metastatic solid cancer and/or disease progression following at least first line systemic therapy and/or relapsed or refractory hematologic cancer.
• PATIENT: Have internet access through a computer or a mobile device; the principal investigator (PI) will ensure that those who have access to a computer or mobile device have access to a computer or mobile device with internet access to ensure they can complete study procedures.
• PATIENT: The ability to provide informed consent.
• PATIENT: Identification of a loved support person if one is available; patients who are unable to identify a support person willing to participate with them will be allowed to continue in the study on their own.
• PATIENT: 18 years of age or older.
• SUPPORT PERSON: The person (family member or friend) whom the patient indicates being a support person.
• SUPPORT PERSON: English speaking.
• SUPPORT PERSON: 18 years of age or older and able to provide informed consent.
• PROVIDER: Current clinical practice and/or research with advanced cancer patients.
• PROVIDER: A history of 3+ years working with advanced cancer patients.
• PROVIDER: 18 years of age or older. Providers across disciplines (e.g., social work, oncology) will be enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria:

• PATIENT: Not fluent in English.
• PATIENT: Severely cognitively impaired (as measured by Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire scores of >= 6) to be delivered by trained study research staff during screening.
• PATIENT: Too ill or weak to complete the interviews (as judged by the interviewer).
• PATIENT: Currently receiving hospice at the time of enrollment.
• PATIENT: Children and young adults under age 18.