NCT05655494 · University of Florida
A Multilevel Approach to Connecting Underrepresented Populations to Clinical Trials
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to pilot test and evaluate an existing tailored ALEX (Agent Leveraging Empathy for eXams) Research Portal to navigate Black and Hispanic adult cancer patients and their family members through referral to cancer clinical trials.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to pilot test and evaluate an existing tailored ALEX (Agent Leveraging Empathy for eXams) Research Portal to navigate Black and Hispanic adult cancer patients and their family members through referral to cancer clinical trials.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Stand-alone Research Portal
The standard of care condition will include a portal that provides patients with access to existing online cancer clinical trial resources in one location. This includes links to pages with basic information about cancer clinical trials, ongoing studies, enrollment opportunities for existing institutional research registries, and contact information for study coordinators.
BEHAVIORAL
Portal with Virtual Community Health Educator (vCHE)
The virtual community health educator condition will provide all information in standard of care with the addition of a virtual community health educator. Patients will have the opportunity to choose which virtual community health educator will provide digital navigation. The choices will include at least four English-speaking and four Spanish-speaking virtual community health educators representing different genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of patients who self-refer to cancer clinical trials
Time frame: Within two 2 months of consent
Patients from underrepresented groups will be recruited in this study and equally randomized into either a) standard-of-care web-based educational portal about clinical trials or a b) a web-based portal that includes a virtual Community Health Educator. Participants in both conditions will have the opportunity to self-refer (operationalized as expressing interest in being contacted) to a cancer clinical trial. The numbers of patients referred to a cancer clinical trial will be collected in both treatment groups and the proportions compared to determine whether adding a virtual Community Health Educator to web-based educational resources about cancer clinical trials will increase referrals of minority patients. Patients are assigned into 2 groups, and the outcome measure is the number of self-referrals after treatment divided by the total number of patients for both groups.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- An adult 18 to 100 years of age,
- Able to read English or Spanish at least an eighth-grade level,
- From a racial/ethnic background historically underrepresented in cancer clinical trials (e.g. Blacks or African Americans and/or Hispanics or Latinos),
- Have an email account or the ability to receive texts,
- Willingness to be re-contacted,
- Be a resident of the state of Florida.
Exclusion criteria
- Unable to read English or Spanish at least at eighth-grade level
- Does not have an email account or the ability to receive texts
- Unwilling to be re-contacted
- Non resident of the state of Florida.
Where
- Gainesville, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Miami, Florida
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations