Targeted Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Summary

Many people living with metastatic breast cancer face challenging symptoms and frequent medical visits. At the same time, conversations about personal goals, values, and preferences for care may not always happen as early or as often as patients and families would like. This multi-site study will test the effectiveness of a five-session palliative care program, designed specifically for people with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, to strengthen communication with clinicians about what matters most in their care. The study aims to inform how palliative care services can be delivered in a more timely, personalized, and scalable way for people living with advanced cancers who have long disease trajectories, such as metastatic breast cancer.

Eligibility

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥18 years
* diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
* within 8 weeks of the oncology visit at which they were identified as having an eligible Epic EOL Care Index (≥ 15)
* functioning independently per an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2
* receiving their cancer care at one of the participating institutions
* able to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

* received outpatient palliative care visit within the last six months
* enrolled in hospice services
* diagnosed with a comorbid condition that impairs their ability to understand study procedures and/or consent for the trial as per the report of the oncology clinician(s)

Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥18 years
* identified by the patient as a family member or friend who is primarily involved in their care
* able to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish

Conditions3

Locations3 sites

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