NCT06296641

Needs Navigation for Caregivers of AYAs

Leveraging COmmunity Partnered nEeds Navigation to Reduce Unmet Health-related Social Needs Among Caregivers for Adolescent and Younger Adult Cancer Survivors

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Columbia University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 15 Years – 26 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The overall aim of the study is to address unmet health-related social needs and reduce outcome disparities among AYA (adolescent and young adult) cancer survivors. Aim 1 aimed to refine a needs navigation model in partnership with expert consultants. Aim 2 and 3 will involve the deployment and pilot testing of the adapted needs navigation intervention among caregivers of younger AYAs with cancer.

Detailed description

Financial toxicity, the negative personal financial impact of healthcare, is a highly prevalent adverse effect of cancer treatment, and AYA cancer survivors experience disproportionately higher rates of financial toxicity compared to older cancer survivors. Financial toxicity is associated with poorer overall survival and bankruptcy, and AYA survivors are 10 times more likely to file for bankruptcy than older cancer survivors. Thus, financial toxicity and unmet HRSN (health-related social needs) are key contributors to employment and health outcome disparities seen among AYA survivors living in areas of persistent poverty. The study team has focused on addressing unmet HRSN and reducing outcome disparities among AYA cancer survivors, many of whom live in areas of persistent poverty. The investigators have adapted a model of financial navigation that reduces financial toxicity among older adults with cancer, informed by qualitative research among Spanish- and English-speaking AYAs and their caregivers from the local community. The investigators have identified community and clinical partners poised to address these unique unmet needs. These partners have expertise in educational navigation and caregiver community resources - both cited as unmet needs in our pilot study. Using mixed methods, this study will refine (Aim 1 - already completed) and pilot test (Aims 2 and 3) a tailored version of the intervention among 30 English and Spanish-speaking caregivers of younger AYAs who screen positive for severe financial toxicity or unmet HRSN. Aim 3 will also be achieved by having caregivers complete qualitative and quantitative assessments measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months to identify factors that are associated with financial toxicity. Qualitative data will be collected from participants in this study as well as participants from our AYA-NAV trial to better understand these factors and explore AYAs/Caregiver perception on screening for school-based needs and educational guidance sessions.

Conditions

• Cancer in Adolescence

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Needs navigation intervention	The investigator anticipates that this will include a baseline financial, education and vocational assessment, likely using a virtual platform. Participants who screen positive will be connected to community resources and for consultation. There will be a 1-month, 3-month and 6-month check-in to address any financial concerns through additional counseling/navigation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-02-16
• Primary completion: 2026-07-31
• Completion: 2026-07-31
• First posted: 2024-03-06
• Last updated: 2026-04-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States