Goals of Care Discussion for Patients With Advanced Lung and Gastrointestinal Cancer in the Emergency Department of a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · May 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at ways to improve the quality of life for patients with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancer who are being treated in the emergency department. The goal is to have meaningful discussions about care options, which can help both patients and their families make informed decisions and potentially lower healthcare costs. The study is currently recruiting participants who are at least 18 years old, have advanced cancer that cannot be cured, and are experiencing significant symptoms like difficulty breathing or confusion.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must also be able to communicate in English and either give their own consent or have a legal representative who can consent for them. However, individuals who are already in hospice care, are comatose, or have severe communication issues won't be included. If you join the trial, you can expect to engage in discussions about your care goals, which can help ensure that your treatment aligns with your wishes and needs. This study aims to make a positive impact on the care experience for patients and their families during a challenging time.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participant is at least 18 years old presenting to the triage area of the MDACC ACCC for treatment
• • 2. Participant has advanced lung or GI cancer. Advanced cancer patient defined as: locally recurrent or metastatic for which there is no curative treatment available.
• • 3. Participant screens positive for at least 2 of 3 triple threat conditions (dyspnea, altered mental status, or poor performance status)
• • 4. Participant has the ability to speak and write in English
• • 5. Participant has the ability to provide consent OR is accompanied by a LAR able to provide consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participant is already enrolled in hospice
• • 2. Participant is comatose
• • 3. Participant has severe intellectual disability
• • 4. Participant has a history of dementia documented in the medical records
• • 5. Participant has baseline communication barriers such as aphasia or deafness
• • 6. Participant is new to MDACC, without established oncology care at our institution at time of ACCC arrival
• • 7. Participant is 18 years or older, currently cared for by pediatrics service
• • 8. Pregnant women
• • 9. Prisoners