Evaluating the Implementation of Integrated Proactive Supportive Care Pathways in Oncology: Master Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Care

Background:

• Supportive care (SC) is crucial for managing cancer and treatment complications.
• A significant number of cancer patients experience unaddressed SC needs.
• Innovative approaches are required to enhance SC delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of integrated proactive SC pathways across the cancer care continuum.
• To assess the impact of SC pathways on patients' distress and unmet needs.
• To explore patient and provider adoption, implementation barriers, and long-term maintenance of SC pathways.

Main Methods:

• The study employs the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.
• Primary outcome: patient distress and unmet needs at 12 weeks (Distress Thermometer and Problem List).
• Secondary outcomes: quality of life, symptom burden, adoption rates, implementation factors, and cost-consequence analysis.

Main Results:

• The study protocol received ethics committee approval.
• As of February 2024, 12 patients have been enrolled in the pilot phase.
• Pilot evaluations will inform the formal sample size calculation for efficacy assessment.

Conclusions:

• This research will contribute to developing innovative models for supportive care delivery.
• Findings will guide the implementation of integrated SC pathways.
• The study aims to improve rehabilitation, self-management, and social reintegration for cancer patients.