Exploring Australian regional cancer patients’ experiences of clinical trial participation via telehealth

Abstract

Introduction Regional cancer patients face various barriers in accessing specialist cancer services. Teletrials are a new model of care that utilise telemedicine technology to enable access to and participation in clinical trials close to home. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of regional cancer patients and their carers while participating in a teletrial, and those of regional patients who travelled to a metropolitan centre for trial participation. Methods A concurrent, mixed methods study design was used to address the study aim. Patient quality of life data were gathered for both groups and an audio-recorded semi-structured interview undertaken to explore patients’ and carers’ experiences of the two modes of trial participation. Greater weighting was given to the qualitative data. Results Participants described teletrials as an acceptable and valuable initiative that reduced overall burden of trial participation. Irrespective of mode of delivery, patients and carers identified access to trials and specialist cancer services as an important equity issue for regional cancer patients. Discussion From the perspective of regional cancer patients and carers, a teletrial offers convenient, acceptable access to a clinical trial. Although not all patients may want to engage in a teletrial, patients and carers agree that it offers equity of opportunity for trial participation, irrespective of where people live.

The Australian Youth Cancer Service: Developing and Monitoring the Activity of Nationally Coordinated Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Care

“…While the apparent recent increase in AYA trial participation is encouraging, further efforts to improve enrolment rates are needed, particularly in light of the low numbers and geographical dispersion of Australian AYAs [ 18 ]. For example, telemedicine has facilitated the remote participation of regional patients [ 36 ] and may enable AYA participation in larger international trials or at sites that their age may restrict them from accessing. Collective advocacy by Canteen and the YCS may also help to secure further funding for AYA-specific clinical trials.…”

Teletrials, the new norm? Expert recommendations for teletrials into the future: Findings from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Clinical Trial Research Professionals Group Workshop

“…Much has been learned, evidence has been collated, and resources have been developed on how to successfully apply the Australasian Teletrial Model within health services and health systems 2–4,11,12 . This Model has been comprehensively assessed and reports in the literature acknowledge that the Teletrial Model is feasible and acceptable, enabling the overcoming geographical disparities 11–15 . The Model aims to be “patient focused” to improve patient equity and access to clinical trial treatment pathways 3…”

“…[2][3][4]11,12 This Model has been comprehensively assessed and reports in the literature acknowledge that the Teletrial Model is feasible and acceptable, enabling the overcoming geographical disparities. [11][12][13][14][15] The Model aims to be "patient focused" to improve patient equity and access to clinical trial treatment pathways. 3 COVID-19 has been a catalyst for engagement, 16 with international interest in the work increasing.…”

Barriers and enablers to cancer clinical trial participation and initiatives to improve opportunities for rural cancer patients: A scoping review

“…84 Teletrials increase patient access, valued by rural patients and their carers. 85 Teletrials also foster partnerships between institutions, much the same as clinical trial networks, providing education and upskilling of staff, further adding value and ability to address some physician barriers to clinical trial participation in the rural setting. 86…”

“…84 Teletrials increase patient access, valued by rural patients and their carers. 85 Teletrials also foster partnerships between institutions, much the same as clinical trial networks, providing education and upskilling of staff, further adding value and ability to address some physician barriers to clinical trial participation in the rural setting. 86 The provision and availability of a culturally appropriate patient navigator was another initiative identified by the review that increased clinical trials participation for rural patients.…”