Feasibility and Acceptability of Collecting Sociodemographic Data in CCTG Trials
This study explores if people taking part in cancer clinical trials are happy to answer questions about their everyday lives. These questions cover things like their income, education, job, where they live, and if they have good support from friends and family. These factors, sometimes called 'social determinants of health,' can really affect a person's health and how easily they can get medical help. By collecting this information, researchers hope to better understand why some people might find it harder to join clinical trials or access healthcare. This study is important because it could help make trials more welcoming and accessible to everyone, ensuring research properly reflects the diverse experiences of patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine two people with the same type of cancer. One lives in a comfortable home, has a steady job, and good transport to their hospital appointments. The other lives in a less stable situation, perhaps struggles with money, or finds it hard to get to appointments because of where they live. These everyday life circumstances, often called 'social determinants of health,' can have a big impact on a person's health journey and their ability to get the best care, including joining a clinical trial.
This study is trying to understand if people who are already taking part in cancer clinical trials are willing to share information about these aspects of their lives. Researchers want to know if patients are comfortable answering questions about their income, how much education they’ve had, their job, their housing situation, their community, and if they've experienced things like unfair treatment or stress. They will also ask how participants feel about answering these types of questions.
By gathering this information from about 1000 people, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of who currently participates in cancer trials. Understanding this is really important because it could highlight any barriers that stop certain groups of people from joining trials or getting access to healthcare. The goal is to make sure clinical trials are fairer and more representative of all patients, which ultimately helps to develop better treatments for everyone.
Key takeaways
- This study helps understand barriers to clinical trial participation.
- It involves answering a questionnaire about your life circumstances.
- Participation takes less than 10 minutes.
- Your answers are confidential and won't affect your medical care.
- It aims to make future trials more inclusive and accessible.
- You must be 18+ and involved in a CCTG cancer trial.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older.
You should also be involved in a CCTG (Canadian Cancer Trials Group) trial. This means you are either currently being considered for a CCTG trial and giving your permission to join it, or you have already joined a CCTG trial and are still receiving follow-up care for it.
However, you won't be able to join this study if you are already taking part, or are expected to take part, in another CCTG trial that is asking the same questions about your everyday life circumstances.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you currently being considered for a CCTG cancer trial or have you already joined one?
- Are you comfortable answering questions about your living situation, education, and finances?
- Are you NOT already doing another CCTG trial that asks these same types of questions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire. This form will ask questions about non-medical things that influence your health, like where you live, learn, work, and spend your free time. It will also ask how you feel about answering these types of questions.
The questionnaire is available in English or French. You'll only need about 10 minutes or less to complete it. There are no extra visits or medications involved with this specific study. Your participation will simply mean providing your honest answers to help researchers understand more about patient experiences.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Regional Health Authority B, Zone 2Verified postcodeSaint John, Canada· Recruiting
- Kingston Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeKingston, Canada· Recruiting
- Allan Blair Cancer CentreVerified postcodeRegina, Canada· Recruiting
- Saskatoon Cancer CentreVerified postcodeSaskatoon, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of questions will I be asked?
You'll be asked about things like your income, education, job, where you live, and your experiences with things like stress or feeling supported.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, your answers will be kept confidential, meaning they will be handled securely and your privacy will be protected.
Will taking part affect my current cancer treatment?
No, taking part in this questionnaire study will not affect your cancer treatment or your involvement in your main CCTG clinical trial.
How long will it take?
The questionnaire should take about 10 minutes or less to complete.
Do I have to answer every question?
While it's helpful for researchers if you answer all questions, you can choose not to answer any question you are uncomfortable with.
How to find out more
Anna Johnson
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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