Feasibility and Acceptability of the ABC123 Framework for Advanced Cancer Care: Study Protocol

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Older adults with advanced cancer face complex care needs.
• Individualized care planning is crucial for aligning treatment with patient goals and values.
• The ABC123 framework offers a structured approach to enhance understanding and planning for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of the ABC123 intervention, including recruitment and retention rates.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on goal-concordant care, quality of life, and communication.
• To examine patient-reported outcomes such as value clarity and decisional efficacy over six months.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility trial involving up to 48 older adults with advanced cancer.
• Participants receive the ABC123 intervention, integrating geriatric, oncologic, and palliative care assessments.
• Data collection includes patient questionnaires, interviews, and oncologist assessments of goal alignment over a 6-month follow-up period.

Main Results:

• Recruitment efforts have approached 54 potential participants since January 2023.
• 29 patients have enrolled in the study.
• 14 participants have completed the intervention and initial follow-up assessments.

Conclusions:

• The ABC123 intervention is a novel, multicomponent approach for older adults with advanced cancer.
• The pilot study will determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing this intervention in oncology settings.
• Findings may inform future pragmatic trials aimed at improving goal-concordant care.