Coaching in Palliative Surgical Oncology

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a serious illness coaching intervention (CONCORD) in improving quality of serious illness conversation (SIC), treatment decision-making, goal-concordant care delivery and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer considered for palliative interventions. CONCORD will be delivered by lay healthcare providers. We compare outcomes between participants receiving CONCORD vs usual care.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

(i) Patient:

1. Aged 21 or above;
2. Diagnosis of advanced cancer, i.e. stage 3 or 4 solid organ
3. Consulted for palliative surgery or other interventions, i.e. procedures aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life
4. Able to speak English or Mandarin;

(ii) Caregiver

1. Aged 21 or above;
2. Self-endorsed or identified by the enrolled patient as an unpaid spouse/partner, relative or friend who knows them well and who provides regular care, who does not have to live in the same dwelling
3. Able to speak English or Mandarin.

Exclusion Criteria:

(i). Patient

1. Patient refusal,
2. Active mental illness or severe dementia, or being certified unfit to make medical decision by a specialist physician,
3. Pregnant Women

(ii). Caregiver

1. Self-reported severe mental illness, dementia, active suicidal ideation, uncorrected hearing loss;
2. Unable to complete caregiver-reported outcomes.

Conditions3

Browse More Trials