The Care Tracker Study: Using Patient-Reported Data to Address Racial Disparity in Cancer Treatment

The Care Tracker Study: Using Patient-Reported Data to Address Racial Disparities in Cancer Treatment Delay

This study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of a brief electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) tool that allows patients to self-identify impending delays. The risk of treatment delays according to tumor type and race will be measured by both ePRO and electronic health record (EHR) tools. Data from this study and the association of social determinants of health could be useful to flag patients at risk of delay and due timely intervention for modifiable treatment barriers. The prediction of the risk of treatment delay will be helpful to design another study using electronic tracking systems to prevent cancer treatment delays. The long-term goal of this research is to alert care teams when patients may be at risk of treatment days and to help patients get treatment faster. It was planned to enroll a total of 240 subjects with newly diagnosed cancer. Sixty colorectal and 180 breast cancer patients will be included.

Inclusion Criteria:

In order to participate in this study a subject must meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below.

1. Male and female patients of age >18 years.
2. Pathologic diagnosis of breasts or colorectal cancer within 6 weeks (42 days) prior to the enrollment date.
3. Have not yet initiated cancer treatment on the date of enrollment.
4. Indicate intent to receive cancer treatment at the University of North Carolina.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient unwilling or unable to receive electronic survey links via email or text link on a mobile device, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
2. Patient unwilling or unable to provide verbal or signed consent to participate.
3. Patient cannot read and speak English.
4. Patients who do not have email access or a smartphone are able to receive Short Message/Messaging Service (SMS) text messages.