Impact of Physician Behavior on Cancer Distress

OTHER

Non-Interventional Study

Non-interventional study

Explore what physician behaviors contribute to patients' cancer distress

Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment)

Participants will indicate levels of distress on an 11-point Likert scale (10=extreme distress; 0=no distress). Physician behaviors that contribute to patients' cancer distress (as reported by patients) will be assessed using a free-text question. Topics and contextual factors will be identified by searching for themes with a thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to broadly analyze results. Data will initially be analyzed in its entirety. Subgroup analyses will then be done for patients who have vs have not experienced clinically significant distress (past or current score of 4+ on the distress thermometer). Additional subgroup analyses may be conducted depending on response.

Explore what physician behaviors lessen patients' cancer distress

Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment)

Participants will indicate levels of distress on an 11-point Likert scale (10=extreme distress; 0=no distress). Physician behaviors that lessen patients' cancer distress (as reported by patients) will be assessed using a free-text question. Topics and contextual factors will be identified by searching for themes with a thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to broadly analyze results. Data will initially be analyzed in its entirety. Subgroup analyses will then be done for patients who have vs have not experienced clinically significant distress (past or current score of 4+ on the distress thermometer). Additional subgroup analyses may be conducted depending on response.

Explore how non-physician factors in the patient care experience contribute to patients' cancer distress

Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment)

Participants will indicate levels of distress on an 11-point Likert scale (10=extreme distress; 0=no distress). Other factors that contribute to patients' cancer distress (as reported by patients) will be assessed using a free-text question. Topics and contextual factors will be identified by searching for themes with a thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to broadly analyze results. Data will initially be analyzed in its entirety. Subgroup analyses will then be done for patients who have vs have not experienced clinically significant distress (past or current score of 4+ on the distress thermometer). Additional subgroup analyses may be conducted depending on response.

Explore how non-physician factors in the patient care experience lessen patients' cancer distress

Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment)

Participants will indicate levels of distress on an 11-point Likert scale (10=extreme distress; 0=no distress). Other factors that lessen patients' cancer distress (as reported by patients) will be assessed using a free-text question. Topics and contextual factors will be identified by searching for themes with a thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to broadly analyze results. Data will initially be analyzed in its entirety. Subgroup analyses will then be done for patients who have vs have not experienced clinically significant distress (past or current score of 4+ on the distress thermometer). Additional subgroup analyses may be conducted depending on response.

Patient ratings of preference for physician-initiated conversations

Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment)

Patient ratings of preference for physician-initiated conversations on five sensitive topics: mental health, sexual health, financial health, cancer survival and mortality/prognosis, and personal relationship dynamics will be assessed using a study-specific survey. Responses are recorded on a Likert scale of 0-10 where 0=not at all and 10=very much so. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to analyze results.

Patient ratings of contributors to distress

Time frame: Baseline (at enrollment)

Patient ratings of how much sexual health, finances, cancer survival and prognosis, and changes in personal relationship dynamics contribute to their distress will be assessed using a study-specific survey. Each item will be rated on a Likert scale of 0-10 where 0=not at all and 10=very much so. Descriptive statistics will be utilized to analyze results.

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.