NCT06528990 · City of Hope Medical Center
Telehealth Intervention for Ostomy Self-Management
What this study is about
Over one million individuals in the U.S. have ostomies. An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdominal wall that allows bodily waste (urinary or fecal) to pass through into an external pouch; in essence, it is the externalization of the gastrointestinal or urinary structures to the abdominal wall.
View original scientific description
Over one million individuals in the U.S. have ostomies. An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdominal wall that allows bodily waste (urinary or fecal) to pass through into an external pouch; in essence, it is the externalization of the gastrointestinal or urinary structures to the abdominal wall. For cancer, ostomies are most commonly placed for rectal cancers, followed by urinary bladder cancer. The health-related quality of life impact of an ostomy is tremendous and greater than many other cancer treatments. The goal of this study is to pilot-test a perioperative ostomy self-management telehealth intervention (Periop-OSMT) in patients with colorectal and bladder cancer and their family caregivers. Participants will receive seven group telehealth sessions before and after ostomy surgery. This pilot clinical trial will study the feasibility of the methods/interventions and determine the preliminary efficacy to support a larger confirmatory trial.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Telehealth Intervention
This includes the following key components: 1) assignment to a peer ostomate; 2) ostomy self-management skills building delivered through group telehealth sessions and led by trained ostomy nurses and peer ostomates; 3) intervention resource manual.
OTHER
Standard of care
standard of care, where patients and family caregivers are managed by the oncology care team. Care may include clinic visits for follow-up, cancer directed treatments, referrals to other medical specialties as needed, and institutional ostomy nurse support before and after surgery as needed.
Primary outcome measures
Self-Efficacy for Ostomy Self-Management
Time frame: At 13 weeks post-randomization
Will be measured by the Self-Efficacy to Perform Self-management Behaviors Scale, an outcome measure for Chronic Disease Management Interventions, this scale represents 8 domains: physical activity, information seeking, support, communication with HC providers, ostomy management, social and recreational, symptom management, and depression. Higher scores reflect better self-efficacy. Study arm differences at 13 weeks will be assessed via repeated measures linear regression models with adjustment for baseline value of the outcome and stratification factors including cancer type (bladder versus colorectal) and whether the patient has a caregiver.
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
- Patient Eligibility Criteria:
- Patient with bladder or colorectal cancer
- Scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure that includes the creation of an intestinal stoma (fecal or urinary, permanent or temporary)
- For bladder cancer, only patients with incontinent urostomies (ileal conduit) are eligible.
- Age: ≥ 18 years
- Ability to read and understand English for Questionnaires Family Caregiver Eligibility Criteria:
- A family member or friend identified by the patient and defined as a person who knows the patient well and is involved in the patient's care before and after surgery
- Age: ≥ 18 years
- Ability to read and understand English for Questionnaires
- Pregnant FCGs are eligible for participation. Participation in this behavioral/educational intervention should not impact the pregnancy/fetus.
Where
- Duarte, California
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense
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 Mar 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations