NCT07278778 · Washington University School of Medicine
Cancer Care Companion
What this study is about
This study invites parents of children with cancer to use an electronic health record (EHR)-based communication tool, called the Cancer Care Companion, and assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the tool.
View original scientific description
This study invites parents of children with cancer to use an electronic health record (EHR)-based communication tool, called the Cancer Care Companion, and assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the tool.
Interventions
OTHER
Cancer Care Companion
The investigators will provide parents access the Cancer Care Companion through Epic MyChart. If a participant has not enrolled in MyChart, the investigator will provide instructional materials and assist with registration. Parents will use the Cancer Care Companion for 3 months during which they will complete tasks including educational modules, check-in surveys, and patient stories. Participants may opt-out of receiving the patient stories. During the 3-month intervention, participants will receive 13 educational tasks, 7 check-in surveys, and 5 patient stories (if requested). The Day 1 educational task will include an overview of the program and further instructions. After enrollment, participants will retain access to Cancer Care Companion for at least 3 months, during which they can revisit the content.
Primary outcome measures
Tool feasibility
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention
The number of tasks marked "complete" divided by total tasks delivered, reported as a percentage per participant, with success defined as meeting or exceeding a 70% completion rate.
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
- Eligibility Criteria for Parents: Parents of children with cancer will be enrolled if they meet the following criteria:
- They are a legal guardian of a child diagnosed with cancer in the prior 4 weeks.
- The child plans to receive or currently receives cancer directed therapy at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
- The parent or legal guardian has access to internet through a computer or smart phone.
- Speaks and reads in English
- The parent or legal guardian agrees to enroll in Epic MyChart to access a proxy portal for their child. Eligibility Criteria for Clinicians:
- Clinicians with patients who have parents participating may be enrolled. Clinician participants will be employed at SLCH or Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). The clinicians will include physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurse coordinators from the leukemia/lymphoma, brain tumor, and solid tumor teams in order to represent the breadth of pediatric cancer diagnoses.
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
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 Feb 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations