NCT07848841 · Washington University School of Medicine
Online Perioperative Education Program on Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes for Head and Neck Surgery
What this study is about
CareOrbit is a digital perioperative patient-education and care navigation platform developed by the St. Louis-based venture Total Orbit in collaboration with Washington University's CORTEX Business Incubator.
View original scientific description
CareOrbit is a digital perioperative patient-education and care navigation platform developed by the St. Louis-based venture Total Orbit in collaboration with Washington University's CORTEX Business Incubator. For head and neck cancer (HNC) care, the platform is designed to address gaps in perioperative education by guiding patients through each stage of their surgical journey using structured modules, step-by-step instructional videos, and centralized educational resources. CareOrbit delivers physician-authored content tailored to an individual's surgical care, including overviews of surgical treatment, preoperative preparation, and expectations for postoperative recovery. Early anecdotal experiences suggest that patients appreciate the accessibility of the tool, but systematic evaluation is lacking in whether use of the tool improves understanding, satisfaction, and care outcomes. This project will address key knowledge gaps by employing a clinical trial to examine key clinical endpoints.
Interventions
OTHER
CareOrbit
CareOrbit is a digital perioperative patient-education and care navigation platform .
OTHER
Standard perioperative education
Standard of care perioperative education materials
Primary outcome measures
Change in ORTC QLQ-INFO25 Satisfaction Score
Time frame: Baseline, 30 days postoperative clinic visit, and at a 3-6 months postoperative clinic visit
The EORTC QLQ-INFO25 is a 25-item patient-reported questionnaire that assesses the amount and type of information cancer patients receive about their disease, treatment, side effects, support services, and related care. Items are rated on a 4-point scale from 1 = not at all to 4 = very much, with selected yes/no items. The total score is typically reported as 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate that more information was received and, for relevant items, greater satisfaction or perceived helpfulness of the information.
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
- 18 years of age or older
- Have a new diagnosis of head and neck cancer
- Planning or scheduled to undergo free flap surgery and/or total laryngectomy, or caregiver to eligible patients
- Have internet access
- English speaking
Exclusion criteria
- Younger than 18 years of age
- No internet access
- Non-English speaking
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital
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 Sep 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations