The Care Tracker Study: Using Patient-Reported Data to Address Racial Disparity in Cancer Treatment

Launched by UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER · Oct 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Care Tracker Study is looking at how we can better understand and address delays in cancer treatment, especially for patients of different races. This study will use a simple electronic tool for patients to report any issues they may face that could slow down their treatment. By collecting this information, along with data from medical records, researchers hope to identify patients at risk of delays and find ways to help them start their treatment sooner. The ultimate goal is to alert healthcare teams when a patient might be facing treatment delays, ensuring they receive the care they need as quickly as possible.

To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with breast or colorectal cancer within the last six weeks. You should not have started any cancer treatment yet and need to plan to receive treatment at the University of North Carolina. Participants will be asked to complete brief surveys on their experiences and any potential barriers they might face. It's important that you can receive these surveys electronically, either via email or text message, and can understand English. If you're interested and meet these criteria, this study could be a great opportunity to help improve cancer care for everyone.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • In order to participate in this study a subject must meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below.
• • 1. Male and female patients of age \>18 years.
• • 2. Pathologic diagnosis of breasts or colorectal cancer within 6 weeks (42 days) prior to the enrollment date.
• • 3. Have not yet initiated cancer treatment on the date of enrollment.
• • 4. Indicate intent to receive cancer treatment at the University of North Carolina.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patient unwilling or unable to receive electronic survey links via email or text link on a mobile device, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
• • 2. Patient unwilling or unable to provide verbal or signed consent to participate.
• • 3. Patient cannot read and speak English.
• • 4. Patients who do not have email access or a smartphone are able to receive Short Message/Messaging Service (SMS) text messages.