NCT06676852 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Feasibility and Acceptability of Primary Palliative Care Intervention in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
(Primary PC HCT)
What this study is about
Primary PC - or training HCT clinicians to deliver PC domains as part of routine practice - is an alternative model of supportive care. We have developed Sentinel, a primary PC intervention for HCT clinicians and patients. This study will assess Sentinel's feasibility and acceptability.
View original scientific description
Primary PC - or training HCT clinicians to deliver PC domains as part of routine practice - is an alternative model of supportive care. We have developed Sentinel, a primary PC intervention for HCT clinicians and patients. This study will assess Sentinel's feasibility and acceptability.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Primary palliative care
Enrolled patient participants will receive Sentinel prior to and during their hospitalization for HCT. Prior to HCT, a transplant clinician (nurse practitioner - NP) will conduct a focused PC visit to build rapport, manage expectations regarding HCT, review anticipated symptoms, and discuss illness coping strategies. During the HCT hospitalization, HCT physicians and advanced practice providers will incorporate PC domains into their routine care of patients undergoing HCT.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility
Time frame: Up to Day 90
We will assess feasibility of Sentinel based on the proportion of eligible patients who enroll and the proportion of enrolled patients retained. Sentinel will be deemed feasible if at least 60% of eligible patients are enrolled in the study and patient retention through study procedures is at least 80%, commonly utilized metrics in PC trials
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
- Age 18 years or older
- Undergoing autologous or allogeneic HCT at MGH
Exclusion criteria
- Prior receipt of inpatient specialty palliative care on two prior admissions in the past 6 months.
- Significant uncontrolled psychiatric disorders (psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression) or other co-morbid disease (dementia, cognitive impairment), which the primary oncologist believes prohibits informed consent or ability to participate in study procedures
- Inability to comprehend English as this is a preliminary/pilot study
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
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 Apr 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations